Mary Lynn Deyo

Mary Lynn “Gert” Deyo passed away on March 20, 2025, in her hometown of Ottawa, IL at the age of 67 following a courageous battle with a rare form of Parkinson’s, Corticobasal Syndrome.

Mary Lynn was born on May 1, 1957 in Ottawa, IL to Virginia Johnson (Stoudt) and Silas Milford Johnson. The first girl on the Johnson side of the family in 50 years, she had three brothers born before her and three brothers born after.

In her earlier days, she loved her family, her neighborhood, Jefferson School, playing at her grandparents’ house at Buffalo Rock, and eventually being a high school cheerleader.

Upon graduating she decided to head west with the idea of settling in California, but she never got past Colorado, which captured her heart. She spent 34 years in Colorado, first in Buena Vista, then Grand Junction, and finally Craig where she met her husband Steve.

She took pride in the construction jobs that she worked when she arrived in Colorado, helping to shape the western slope. She always appreciated being part of a community. She played and coached soccer, participated in softball and golf, volunteered at St. Michaels Catholic Church - and worked for over a decade as an American Airlines ticket agent, primarily in Hayden but also traveling around the country to train other staff.

Mary Lynn was a beloved mother, daughter, sister, cousin, aunt and friend to many. She will be remembered for her generous heart, her strong will, fun-loving personality, being fashionably late, and a great sense of humor.

She is survived by her son Jason Phillips (and wife Meredith), brothers Larry Johnson (wife Gayla), Leo Johnson (wife Sheryl), Stanley Johnson (wife Theresa), first husband Warren Phillips, mother-in-law Pat Deyo.

She was preceded in death by her husband Steve Deyo, brothers Les Johnson, Keith Johnson, Kenneth Johnson, brother-in-law Mike Deyo, father-in-law Doug Deyo, mother Virginia Johnson and father Milford Johnson.

A funeral mass will be held at the St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church on Tuesday March 25 at 10:15 a.m., followed by a reception at the Knights of Columbus. A celebration of life will be held at Buffalo Rock at a later date, and Mary Lynn will ultimately be laid to rest next to her late husband Steve in Craig, Colorado.

The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.ottawafuneralhome.com

Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory 1111 LaSalle St, Ottawa Illinois 61350 815-433-0300 www.ottawafuneralhome.com