Mary K. (Hartwell) Camden

Mary Kay (Hartwell) Camden, 86 years old passed away peacefully at her home with her family by her side on January 22, 2024.  She was born at home in Marion, Illinois on August 13, 1937, the daughter of William “Mac” and Cynthia ”Vada” Hartwell.

Mary was a graduate of Johnston City High School.  She began her working career at the age of 16, working for Blankenship & Company Auto Parts in Marion and later worked as a secretary for Dr. R.D. Morgan and continued with clerical work at Southern Illinois Orthopedic Center for Dr. Richard Morgan until her retirement in 2020.

Mary married Donald Camden on December 25, 1960. Together they shared 52 years of marriage until his passing on January 30, 2012.

She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who put everyone else first and herself last. She loved laughter, wit, and sarcasm. Anyone who knew her probably remembers her saying, “You never saw a hearse pulling a U-Haul” and she loved nothing more than to shower her family with gifts.  Mary found joy in planting flowers, feeding birds and squirrels, decorating for the holidays, and making her famous cheeseballs for friends and family.

She is survived by her son Douglas (Valerie) Camden of Marion, daughter Gina (John) Mocaby of Marion, and daughter Linda (Lee) Kersten of Carbondale; her grandchildren Matthew (Michael Rios) Camden of San Antonio, Zach (Lincoln) Camden of Marion, Amy Bradley of Marion, Josh Mocaby of Marion, Robert (Paige) Mocaby of Herrin, Samantha Evans of Marion, Brandon Kersten of Lake Worth, FL, Nick Kersten of Carbondale, Emily Kersten of Carbondale; her great-grandchildren Jaxon and Sawyer Mocaby, William and Caroline Evans; her sister Jean Hoercher of Marion along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Donald; her grandson Luke Bradley; her brothers Bob (Dorothy) White and Tom (Shirley) Hartwell; and her brother-in-law Ken Hoercher.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 10:00-12:00 P.M. at Binkley-Ross Funeral Home located at 1702 W. Boulevard Street, Marion, Illinois. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 P.M. at the funeral home with Pastor John Holst officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City.

In lieu of customary remembrances the family requests with gratitude that memorial donations be directed to Hospice of Southern Illinois or Humane Society of Southern Illinois.