MariLou Cusac

Rutland-MariLou Cusac, 70, was lovingly received into the arms of Jesus Christ on Sunday, September 27, 2015. She died at her home in Rutland, IL surrounded by her family. MariLou accepted Christ as her Savior as a young girl, and since her leukemia diagnosis in August had been anxiously awaiting her eternal home.
MariLou's childhood dream was to be a faithful wife and loving mother. She knew the first time she laid eyes on Chuck Cusac that he would be the finishing touch on making that dream come true. They were married on May 28, 1971. MariLou always said that she was born to be a mother and that was easily recognized by all who knew her. Her selfless acts, sacrificial love, and desire to serve her family were the trademarks of her God-given gift. She was a friend to those in need and a servant to her church and community.
MariLou enjoyed the simple things in life; a chocolate milkshake in the company of her kids or grandkids was enough to make her happy. She was most content when she was doing things for others. She enjoyed sewing, baking, Christmas-time, and babies. She found great satisfaction in a tidy and organized home. No closet, drawer, shelf, or even electrical outlet was left untouched by her labeling notes and Sharpie markers. MariLou was hopelessly practical; often giving gifts of the useful sort such as a battery holder, a hand blender, or dryer balls. You could often hear her in the stands of her kids' and grandkids' sporting events yelling, "Go HAAAWKS!", or in later years, "Go BLUUUUE!" Some teams have a cowbell, but our teams always had Mom/Gramme.
Her children and grandchildren were an answer to MariLou's prayers and the joy of her heart. MariLou and Chuck had five children: Tonya (John) Krone, Tammy (Tim) Sanders, Chad Cusac, Cari (Guy) Schultz and Casi (Joe) McKay. "Gramme" and "Grampe" also had fourteen grandchildren: Joshua (Kansas) Krone, Jordan (Marqui) Krone, Jonna (Jonathon) Strauch, Amanda Krone, Brandon (Cass) Sanders, Brianne Sanders, Brady Sanders, Marli Boedigheimer, Calee Boedigheimer, Gracie Schultz, Tyler McKay and Jaxon McKay. Welcoming their Gramme to Heaven were two infant grandsons, Jacob Krone, twin to Joshua, and Brett Sanders. The couple also has five great grandchildren: Benjamin Lindsay, Jacob Krone, Braxton, Audree, and Creed Sanders. Creed was welcomed into their hearts just a few days before MariLou's death. Twin great-grandchildren are expected in March.
MariLou spoke with great anticipation of being reunited with her parents, Louis and Marian Elias and her in-laws, Ray Sr. and Mary Cusac. She is survived by four loving siblings: Sharon (Rod) Garrett, Jim Elias, Melanie (Jim) Hersheway, and Lori (Todd) Pedelty. MariLou was loved by many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.
A time of worship and thanksgiving will be held at Christ Community Church in Gridley, IL on Saturday, October 3 at 11:00 a.m. At MariLou's request, all are welcome to come and enjoy a pot-luck lunch provided by the church from 12:00-2:00. In place of a formal visitation, this will be a time where friends and family can express their sympathies. Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk is assisting the family with arrangements.
In "Lou" of flowers, please make donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.

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Memorial Service

OCT 3. 11:00 AM (CDT)

Christ Community Church
Gridley, IL

Luncheon Reception

OCT 3. 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)

Christ Community Church
Gridley, IL

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