Obituary of Vivian Marie Tilton

Vivian “Viv” Marie Tilton, age 80, formerly of Macomb, Illinois passed away peacefully on Christmas Day 2021 in Lake Havasu City, Arizona with her family by her side. Viv led a life lovingly committed to her husband of 57 years, Gary D. Tilton, and her family. Spirited, she embraced life with a warm smile, ready laugh, and hugs for everyone. Her wit and humor sparked joy. She was honest and spoke her truth. She fought her battles fiercely, with grit and love. She gave more than she got and did it selflessly. In her spare time Viv could be found Christmas shopping at yard sales, no matter what time of year. She loved playing her role as Mrs. Clause with her husband, who may or may not be Santa Clause. This year, she gave him the only thing she could. Her thrill for bargain hunting inspired her to start her own business called Viv’s Used Furniture Store. She also enjoyed spending time at The Office, a bar and restaurant in Basco, Illinois that she co-owned with her husband Gary. Together they began a small non-profit called Forgotten Cemeteries, in which they restored small historical cemeteries in rural areas. Viv was predeceased by her parents, Donald and Margaret Carey, brothers Thomas and Delbert Carey, and her sister Violet Helton (formerly Carey). She is survived by her brother Richard Carey; sons Donnie Phelps, Gary W. Tilton and his wife Lori, and Dean Tilton; daughters Kathleen Snodgrass, Trina Munger and Amber Tilton and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Friends may visit the family from 9 to 11 am, on Saturday, January 8th at the Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home at 201 W. Carroll St, Macomb, Il. The funeral service will follow the visitation and be held at 11 AM on Saturday, January 8th, 2022 at Oakwood Cemetery, 1027 N. Randolph St. Macomb, Il. Pastor Jim Eddy will officiate. Memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or the Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org), which are organizations Vivian passionately supported. Please sign guestbook or leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com. Arrangements were placed into the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home.