Marie Alice Wright

Marie Alice Kirkpatrick Wright passed away July 9, 2016 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. She was 94 years old. She was born July 30, 1921 in Warren County, IN, to the late Farel Kirkpatrick and Esta Silva Kirkpatrick. She married Ralph Wright on September 15, 1940 and they enjoyed 76 wonderful years together. They were inseparable and were rarely seen apart. During World War II Marie worked at the Navy Yard in Charleston, South Carolina while Ralph was at sea, after which they moved to Danville where they raised their family. Marie was an active mom, and spent many years taking her kids to dance lessons, swim lessons, music lessons, recitals, Boy Scouts, and 4-H. She was an energetic volunteer, serving as PTA president, running a 4-H club, and teaching Bible School. Somehow, she still found time to bake excellent blueberry rhubarb pies, sew beautifully tailored clothes, costumes for the Catherine Cromwell School of Dance, and keep a comfortable home. Her family suspects her fondness for coffee and need for only a few hours of sleep at night may have had something to do with keeping a late night schedule to sew, crochet, work crossword puzzles, and cross stich quilts. She excelled in baking and won many awards at County fairs for pies, cakes, and dinner rolls. Marie worked as a secretary and bookkeeper for the Danville Public Schools until her first retirement. Not able to sit still, she went back to work as a bookkeeper and taught herself to use computers, working part-time until she retired again from Central States. Marie's faith was an important part of her life. She and Ralph joined the Second Church of Christ when they married, and were active members until 2014, when they no longer could attend services. Marie is survived by her husband, Ralph; sons, Dennis (Dona) Wright and Curt (Nancy) Wright; daughter, Michele (Jeff) Sims; grandchildren, Aaron Wright, Stefanie Wright Pratt, and Kay and Rachel Sims; brother Paul (Karen) Kirkpatrick; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Earl (Ruth) Kirkpatrick. A celebration of Marie's Life will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, July 14, 2016 at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Danville. Pastor Drew Mentzer will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest with a private family ceremony. Memorials in Marie's name can be made to the Second Church of Christ, CRIS Senior Services, or the donor's choice.