Greta D. Robinson, 84, of Marquette Heights, passed away and joined her Lord and Savior at 9:45am Tuesday, January 2, 2018 at Rosewood Care Center in Peoria.

She was born January 29, 1933 in Pea Ridge Township, near Mt. Sterling, IL, to Carl and Prudence (Coggeshall) Ratcliff. She grew up the youngest of 10 children on the family’s farm, and was lovingly referred to as “Dolly” by her father. Greta married Richard Robinson on August 26, 1951 in Clayton, IL. He was a loving, faithful husband who stood by her side until his passing in 2014.

Greta was an exceptional singer, guitar player, and story teller, which helped her entertain the six children she and Richard raised, as well as her many grandchildren over the years. She was a witty conversationalist and always enjoyed a good gab session over a cup of coffee and a cigarette. Once her younger children were in school, she became a water meter reader for the City of Marquette Heights and developed a good rapport with residents all along her route. She put her people-person skills to further use by selling Avon products. She would give samples to her granddaughters to play dress up with, much to their delight. They (among others) thoroughly enjoyed her legendary No-bake cookies, which she was famous for. Greta enjoyed painting and crocheting, often making her family afghans, hats, scarves, and mittens. New babies in the family were sure to receive a one-of-a-kind blanket, sweater, hat, and bootie set.

Greta was like a movie star, her qualities larger than life. She dreamed big, had a flair for the dramatic, and took pride in her fabulous appearance. She once said “No one makes Greta Robinson do anything she doesn’t want to!” We can all take comfort in knowing that she died as she lived, on her own terms, in her own way. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, nine siblings, an infant son, and two great-grandchildren.

She is survived by six children, Debra (Tom) Armstrong of Washington, Richard Robinson, Jr. of Washington, Cheri (Greg) McCoy of Washington, Cynthia Robinson of Peoria, Jeffrey Robinson of Orlando, FL and Shawn Robinson of Marquette Heights; 15 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

A funeral service for Greta will be held at 2:00pm Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be from 12:30pm-2:00pm at the funeral home. Interment will be at Fondulac Cemetery in East Peoria.