Marillen Wells' Obituary
Marillen Wells (nee Launt) passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 85 years, 9 months, and 12 days.
Marillen was born on January 10, 1938 in Mount Carmel, Illinois to the late William Launt and Ella Launt (nee Bartelson). Marillen is also preceded in death by her loving husband of 47 years, Carroll G. Wells; and granddaughter, Rachel Stilwell.
Marillen is survived by her children: Gene (Sharon) Wells, Larry (Glenda) Wells, and Mike Wells; grandson, Nicholas Wells; and great-granddaughter, Alisha Wright.
Marillen had a lifelong commitment to animals with a thorough devotion to her current three cats and two dogs. She had traveled extensively and worked as a Certified Diabetes Educator until she was almost 80 years old. She loved cooking and eating with her family and friends. Her life as a military spouse allowed her to develop deep friendships around the world. She was active in the Episcopal Church and completed a formal lay person education training program.
Marillen learned the Italian Language in her early 20s and corresponded with Italian friends throughout her life. As a loving mother of three sons, she raised them to consider people . All her children had careers helping others. Military life took her to events and places etched in the history books. The Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, Nuclear Material Accident in Spain, Bader/Meinhof threats and the invasion of Czechoslovakia were some of the challenges she faced, at times alone in another country. Throughout her life, Marillen did many things behind the scenes to help those in need, particularly women in distress: small kindnesses such as care packages, a weekly meal and an empathic ear. With her sister's encouragement, Marillen was deeply involved with the Cursillo movement and her faith was a foundation stone. She will be missed by many.
Per her wishes, Marillen was donated to Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri to help the advancement of medicine and education.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Marillen's name to the National Humane Society. Donations can be made online at www.NationalHumaneSociety.org.
All services for Marillen will be private.
Services provided by Hughes Funeral Alternatives in St. Louis, Missouri. Friends and family can sign an online guestbook at www.HughesFuneralAlternatives.com
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