Marilynn Byrnes

Marilynn Byrnes, 85, of Kirkwood, IL, passed away Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Knox County Nursing Home, Knoxville, IL.

Marilynn was born March 14, 1943, in Monmouth, IL, the daughter of Donald and Lillian Alvera Marie (Johnson) Maples. She was raised and educated in Monmouth, graduating from Monmouth High School in 1961.

Marilynn married Gilbert Flagg, they later divorced. She then married Greg Byrnes.

She worked at Admirals, Galesburg, IL, Giant Foods, and later Econo Foods in Monmouth. Marilynn worked at Monmouth College in the interim and was lovingly dubbed “The Omelet Lady”. She then lastly worked as a grocery store clerk at County Market, Monmouth until her retirement in 2018.

Marilynn thoroughly enjoyed sewing, she had a large collection of angels. She loved flowers, especially roses. Marilynn enjoyed drinking coffee with her friends, where they met every Saturday. She was longtime devoted member of the Westminster United Presbyterian Church in Kirkwood, IL.

Survivors include, her children, Chris Cruz (Brent Kennedy), John (Leanna) Byrnes and Lisa Svob (Sam Mackey); her grandchildren, Chad Montgomery, Tevon Maples (Kylie Swierk), Alissa (Trent) McVey, Stewart (Emma) Svob, Lydia Byrnes and John Byrnes; great grandchildren, Ethan, Lexi, CJ, Addie and Sully; and is also survived by a sister, JoAnn Dowell. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

She was proceeded in death by her parents; and daughter, Kim Flagg; brother, Donnal Maples.

Memorial services will be 3:00pm, Saturday, November 7, 2026 at McGuire and Davies Funeral Home, Monmouth, IL. Visitation will be 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will be at Monmouth Cemetery. Memorials may be given to Marilynn Byrnes Memorial Fund and sent to the funeral home.