In loving memory of

Marilyn "Joey" Callister
November 25, 1934 - September 22, 2016

Joey Callister, 81, of Elmwood, passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2016, at her home.
She was born on November 25, 1934, to Harvey and Edith (Young) VanSickle. Joey married Wayne Callister on July 3, 1955, at the United Methodist Church in Elmwood. He survives.
Also surviving are her six children, Rebecca (Roland) Caulkins, of Elmwood, Greg (Verleen) Callister, of Albuquerque, NM, Connie (Chuck) Johnston, of Elmwood, Debra (Joe) Gasparovich of Canton, Janet (Mike) Davis, of Eureka, and John (Rita) Callister, of Elmwood; special niece, Kim Ohls, of Pekin; one brother, Harvey Dean VanSickle; twenty-two grandchildren, Paul (Amy K.) Caulkins, Amy Jo Caulkins, Jessie (Brandon) Wilkins, Rachel (Brian) Cummings, Sarah Caulkins, Dustin (Kaytlen) Callister, Robin (Jake) Alexander, Steffanie (Mike) Pisula, Colee (T.J.) Collins, Allie Johnston, Mary Chasteen, Bob (Ashley) Gasparovich, Brad (Brittany) Gray, Melissa (Chuck) Wilson, Anthony (Kathleen) Gasparovich, Trevor Davis, Kylie Davis, Jake Callister, Ethan Callister, Justin (Jessica) Ohls, Kevin Ohls, and Katrina Ohls; sixteen great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Gavin Caulkins, Aubrey Jo and Grayson Wilkins, Brooks Cummings, Jayden, Maddix and Kennedy Callister, Addie Alexander, Scarlett Collins, Slade, Ella, Wyatt, and Lyla Gasparovich, Sophia Gray, and Dawson Wilson; and several nieces and nephews.
Joey was a devout Christian who was a member of the Elmwood United Methodist Church. She loved her family fiercely. Joey could light up a room with her smile and brighten your spirit with her infectious laugh. As her graduation from Methodist School of Nursing might indicate, she loved and valued life immensely, especially her family. Joey was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, who along with her husband, Wayne, enjoyed farming and serving in her church and community. Most of all, Joey, in her own beautiful way, carried her candle into the darkness of the world.
Cremation rites have been accorded. A funeral service will be held at noon on Wednesday, September 28, 2016, at the United Methodist Church in Elmwood with a three hour visitation prior to the service at the church. A burial of ashes will be held following the service at the Elmwood Township Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Parkinsons Association, Elmwood Fire Department, B.Y.E., or the Elmwood United Methodist Church.
To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com
Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Barbara Hahn Fernandez wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Marilyn "Joey" Callister"

Ruth Arnold wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Marilyn "Joey" Callister"

Martha Koll wrote on Nov 15, 2017:

"Lit a candle in memory of Marilyn "Joey" Callister"

April Alexander wrote on Sep 28, 2016:

"Callister Family Thank you for the honor of meeting and spending time with Joey. What a beautiful woman inside and out. Wayne I know how hard this is, I know you walk with the Lord daily and now is the time to let him carry you. Just know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love Jodee and the Alexander Family"

Molly Knapp wrote on Sep 28, 2016:

"John, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was an amazing woman. I'm sorry that your family has to go through this. I will be thinking of you all."

Mike Hinds wrote on Sep 27, 2016:

"I am so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed Joey. She was a very nice lady, wife, mother and friend. I am working in Ottumwa Iowa and cannot get back but will have Wayne and his family in my prayers. Mikey Hinds"

Debbie Lathrop wrote on Sep 27, 2016:

"Rebecca, I'm so sorry for your loss. Our mom's leave big holes in our hearts! I'll be praying for the Lord to sustain you during this season of grief."

Nick Nicolaus wrote on Sep 26, 2016:

"Knowing Greg Callister and his daughter, Robin Alexander I can see where they get their sense of responsibility and devotion to family. Greg certainly has his mom's eyes. I will keep Marilyn and the family in my prayers. Nick Nicolaus Chenega Corporation"

Charlene Martin wrote on Sep 25, 2016:

"Joey's family and friends were so blessed to have such a sweet loving, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. I was blessed to have Joey as a Dear nearly lifetime friend, We started in Sunday School, during our 12 years of school together became "VERY SPECIAL FRIENDS" and I spent lots of time in Joey's home, her parents welcomed me and it meant so much. When Wayne came into our lives I knew he was special also. We never came back to Elmwood with out getting together with Joey and Wayne, Joey will be missed dearly but Wayne you know if we get back to IL we'll see you. Meanwhile we'll keep in touch with lots of Love, Charlene"

Debbie Otten wrote on Sep 24, 2016:

"Sent a gift in memory of Marilyn "Joey" Callister"

rebekah richardson wrote on Sep 24, 2016:

"She was the sweetest woman and adopted me right into the family. I am forever grateful for the love and acceptance she spread to everyone she met. My thoughts are with you."

mary hastings wrote on Sep 24, 2016:

"Your whole family are in our prayers Robin. We're so very sorry for your loss. With all our love, Mark and Mary Hastings"