Mariann M. (nee Gustafson) Manthei, 68, passed away on December 28, 2016 at Edward Hospital in Naperville, Illinois. She was born on March 2, 1948 in Manhattan, Illinois to Ruth (nee Barlow) and Wallace Gustafson. Mariann was married to Howard Manthei on September 1, 1968 and both enjoyed each other for 48 years of marriage. Mariann leaves behind her husband, Howard C. Manthei of Yorkville; two children Andrew C. Manthei and wife Vicki of Aurora and Aaron G. Manthei of Yorkville and grandchildren Richard Manthei, Sarah Manthei, and Emily Manthei. She is also survived by her siblings Rebecca (Gary) Schulze, Bruce (Julie) Gustafson, Rodney (Kay) Gustafson, and Brian (Susan) Gustafson. A private family service was held at the Forsythe Gould Funeral Home in Manhattan, IL on Monday, January 2, 2016 at 12:00pm noon. Family Visitation was from 11:00 A.M. until the time of service. Interment is at Manhattan Center Cemetery. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at The Chapel on the Green in Yorkville, Illinois (107 W. Center St.) in the spring which was Mariann's favorite time of year. Mariann was diagnosed with kidney failure in 1988 at age 38, and chose peritoneal dialysis for her treatment. She continued to work at the Illinois State Department of Unemployment Security in Aurora, Illinois for several years. She always put her family members first in her life, and was active in many groups and activities including quilting, serving as president of the Yorkville Friends of the Library, and on the Board of the Chapel on the Green in Yorkville. Inspired by her mother she developed an avid interest in gardening, and after a trip to England she converted her Yorkville yard into an English garden design and found delight in watching the plants come to life each Spring. She enrolled in the Kendall County Master Gardener program but was unable to complete the certification due to her illness. She found comfort in watching her sons and grandchildren mature and continue her interests in gardening and camping. Her doctors and family members marveled how she persevered over the years. It is hoped the she will be an inspiration to others. Donations in Mariann's memory can be made to the Chapel on the Green, 107 W. Center Street, Yorkville, IL 60560. Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com