Mary J. Taube

Mary J. Taube, 89, of Coal Valley, Illinois, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at Celebrate of Moline.

Visitation is 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 30, at Trimble Funeral Home, Coal Valley. Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 1, at Coal Valley Cemetery. Memorials may be made to EveryChild or Christian Care.

Mary Joanne Lees was born January 27, 1937, in Peoria, Illinois, the daughter of Merwin Jerry and Ferne Goldie (Bodeen) Lees. She graduated from Moline High School in 1955 and, on July 20, 1956, married the love of her life, Wayne Carl Taube, in Coal Valley. They shared more than 65 years of marriage before his passing on September 17, 2021.

Mary worked for Avon Products, Inc., from 1973 to 1986 as a district sales manager before joining Trimble Funeral Home in Moline, where she served as executive secretary for more than 15 years. She retired in May 2001. A talented and creative entrepreneur, Mary also operated Accents by Mary, selling homemade hats, vests, and other handcrafted items.

She was a longtime member of Professional Secretaries International, Rock River Chapter, where she served as treasurer, corresponding secretary, and recording secretary. She was also active with the Coal Valley PTA, serving as a board member and room mother until her youngest son graduated from school.

Mary enjoyed working in her yard, especially tending to her flowers, collecting music boxes, and spending time with her family. She was also a gifted singer. While attending Moline High School, she participated in the Operetta Workshop and performed a vocal recital in 1954. Throughout the years, she shared her beautiful voice by singing at numerous weddings and funerals.

Mary is survived by her three sons, Rick (Tara) Taube of Coal Valley, Christopher (Debbi) Taube of Coal Valley, and Kelly Wayne (Ila) Taube of San Tan Valley, Arizona; four grandchildren, Ryan (Marley) Taube, Brittany (Ryan) Gleason, Brian (Elaina) Taube, and Zachary (Melissa) Taube; eight great-grandchildren, Hayden, Harper, Hadley, Harlow, Beckham, Eli, Rowyn, and Amelia Taube; sister, Shirley (Ken) Roehrs; and sister-in-law, Carole Taube. She was preceded in death by her parents, Merwin Lees and Ferne (Harold) Banning; her husband, Wayne; and sister, Beverly (John) Chrisop.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.