Miriam I. McNeil, Wataga, Illinois, died at 4:12 a.m., May 23, 2025, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg, Illinois.
Miriam was born July 7, 1928, the daughter of Wayne and Betty (Campbell) Parkinson, and sister of D. Jean (Parkinson) Clague, who preceded her in death September 8, 2018. Miriam married Glenn E. McNeil June 7, 1953, at the First United Methodist Church in Galesburg. They were married for 61 happy years. Glenn preceded her in death December 16, 2014.
Surviving are two daughters, Julie (Rob) Pearson, Bettendorf, Iowa; Ellen (Garrett) Rush, Galesburg, two grandchildren, Emma (Jacob) McAdams, Peoria, Nicholas Rush, Galesburg. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother/mother-in-law, grandmother, and aunt. She was also a faithful member of the Galesburg United Methodist Church, where she had many friends and volunteered in the card’s ministry.
Miriam graduated from Sparta Township High School in Wataga, Illinois, in 1946, and Western Illinois University, Macomb, in 1950, where she majored in English secondary education and home economics. She later completed a master’s degree at Bradley University in 1971. Miriam taught home-economics and English for 25 years in the ROVA and Galesburg school districts, making many lasting friendships with students and colleagues.
Miriam was a member of AAUW, Pi Lamda Theta, Delta Zeta, Delta Kappa Gamma, the Knox County Retired Teachers’ Association, and the Farm Bureau. She was a Reading Buddy at local elementary schools after retiring from teaching. Miriam and Glenn also belonged to multiple bridge clubs over the years and were among the earliest patrons each morning at the Northgate Racquetball and Health Club and the Knox County YMCA.
One of Miriam’s greatest joys in life was seeing her grandchildren, Emma and Nicholas, grow up and start their lives, making many happy memories along the way. She had many talents and interests: she enjoyed growing flowers, playing the piano, writing cards and letters, sewing, baking, reading, and preparing Sunday dinners for her family. Miriam loved the family’s dogs and horses, as well as the birds in her yard, especially the bobwhites, which would recognize her whistle and answer back. She enjoyed helping on the farm, particularly with mowing. She was also a wonderful listener and could brighten anyone’s day with her caring, encouraging words.
Even though her impaired vision made reading and writing difficult in later years, Miriam stayed in touch with friends and family through letters. She was grateful for her beloved family, friends, and neighbors and their many acts of kindness, and often expressed how blessed she was in the loving relationships that brought so much joy throughout her life.
Visitation will be held from 4-6 p.m., Thursday, May 29, 2025, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Friday, May 30, at the chapel, with Rev. Deb Epley officiating. Burial will be in Wataga Cemetery. Memorials may be offered to the First United Methodist Church or charity of the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be made to www.h-p-w.com.