Mary Slaton Suddarth, 86, of Rochester, Illinois passed away peacefully with family at 12:06 pm on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at The Carriages of Rochester. Rochester, IL. She was born on February 9, 1940, to the late Paul & Lily (Cooper) Slaton, in Madisonville, Kentucky.  She was preceded in death by her husband William Edward Suddarth, her brother Paul Slaton Jr., and her aunt Virginia P. Cooper. 

She graduated from Georgetown College in Kentucky with a degree in Education and French and later obtained her master’s degree in education.  She spent many years working as a teacher and later as an early childhood education specialist with the Illinois State Board of Education. 

Mary married William Edward Suddarth in April 1976.  He preceded her in death in August 2019.

Mary was an active volunteer with the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church at which time she received volunteer of the year. Mary volunteered with Angels on Assignment, and very much enjoyed her membership in the PEO (Philanthropic Educational Organization).  Mary was a founding member of the Jefferson County CASA.  She served on the board of the United Methodist Children’s Home in Mt. Vernon (now known as Spero Family Services). She provided many years of dedicated leadership and service to these organizations.  Mary increased her faith by participating in the Walk to Emmaus. Mary was an active singer in the church’s praise band for the contemporary service in Mt. Vernon. Mary enjoyed spending time with friends and family, rooting on the St. Louis Cardinals, traveling with her husband, and attending the United Methodist Church. Mary happily devoted her time and expertise to many church activities and missions. Mary loved the theater and music. Mary and Ed never missed a show at the Fabulous Fox or Repertory Theatre in St. Louis.

Mary is survived by her children, Barry Liss and wife Lisa of Virden, IL, David Liss and wife Lora Lea of Argenta, IL, stepdaughter Teresa Polistina and husband Terry of Atlantic Beach, FL, stepson Brian Suddarth and wife Kristen of Scottsdale, AZ.  She is also survived by her grandchildren, Dacia Marsaglia of Auburn, IL, Slaton Liss of Virden, IL, Samuel Liss and wife Nichole of Bloomington, IL, D.J. Polistina and wife Katie of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Amanda Polistina of Erie, CO, Cole Suddarth of Scottsdale, AZ and Dylan Suddarth of Scottsdale, AZ.  Mary is also survived by two great grandchildren, Quinn and Nora Polistina. 

A Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM Monday, April 27, 2026, at the Bramley Funeral Home in Auburn, IL.  A funeral service will follow the visitation at10:00 AM with Reverend Annelle Ruemmler officiating.  Burial will be in Virden Cemetery.

 Memorials made in Mary’s loving memory may be made to CASA of Jefferson County, Illinois, Spero Family Services of Mt. Vernon, Illinois or the Thayer Community Church of Thayer, Illinois.