Marie Dutton Davis, 89, died Tuesday, December 9, 2003 in her Vernon Hills home. Mrs. Davis was born November 27, 1914 in Washington D.C. to Clarence and Lillian Dutton. She graduated from high school in Hammond, Indiana, received a degree in elementary education from Indiana University, and taught fifth and sixth grade school in Hammond for several years. She was also active in the American Girl Scouts from 1924 to 1942, and enjoyed winter and summer camping. Mrs. Davis received her B.A. in history from the University of Chicago in 1942. During World War II, Mrs. Davis served in the American Red Cross as a hospital recreation worker, stationed for two years at military hospitals in the European Theater of Operations and for two more years at Valley Forge General Hospital in Pennsylvania. In 1948 she married Robert R. Davis and together they lived in Hammond, Mt. Kisco, New York, Lincolnshire, Illinois, Convent Station, New Jersey, and Arcadia, California. After Bob’s death in 1985 she initially remained in Arcadia, moving to Vernon Hills in 1987 to be closer to her sons and their families. Mrs. Davis traveled extensively with her husband, family and friends, making more than eighty trips and cruises and going twice around the world. For over fifty years she was an active member of P.E.O., an international and professional organization for women. In recent years Mrs. Davis was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Libertyville, Illinois. She was deeply loved by her family and her many friends. Surviving family members include her sons Stephen C. (Christine) Davis, Mark R. (Mary Sue Kranstover) Davis; her grandchildren Benjamin Davis, Lorna Davis, Matthew Davis, Steven and Aimee Kretschmar; her brother C. Benjamin Dutton; her nieces Victoria D. (Eric) Sheehan, Barbara D. (Dennis) Morgan, Rachel D. (Rob) Olds, Donna (Bob) Snodgrass, and Kathy (Ted) Barnes. Burial will be private. A memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, West Maple and Douglas Streets, Libertyville, Illinois, at 11 a.m. on January 10, 2004 (847-362-2174). In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hospice Partners of Lake Forest Hospital, 49 Sherwood Terrace, Lake Bluff, IL 60044 (www.hospicepartners.net), or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
