Marilyn Jean Leato

Evans retail store in Chicago was Marilyn’s first job. She was given many fine clothes and even a chance at modeling! She then worked the rest of her career in accounting for Romano Brothers, which became Southern Wine and Spirits. She worked herself up the ladder with hard work and classes at Moraine Valley College, eventually becoming the head of human resources and payroll. This is where she met the love of her life, Ron Leato.

They married on her birthday March 21, 1989 at the Candlelight Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Marilyn retired a bit early and became caregiver for her Dad Otto Heinze. Ron and Marilyn enjoyed being with Otto and helping in any way they could. Their grand plan was to move to Las Vegas after Ron retired, and they even purchased a home with room for Otto as they knew how he loved it there.

Unfortunately that was not meant to be, as Otto passed away just before the move. Luckily Marilyn’s son Nick moved to Las Vegas shortly thereafter. Marilyn truly enjoyed having Nick close by. She always made sure to know his work schedule so she could make sure to spend time with him and be available for his daily phone calls!

Ron and Marilyn did have many wonderful years together before Ron’s passing in 2018. This was a difficult time for Marilyn. She found a wonderful dog Jesse to help fill the void. This was a great blessing for her. Above all, Marilyn had a big heart. She loved giving back to others. She has been a bright light in the lives of her many family and friends. Marilyn leaves many wonderful memories with those left behind.

Her favorite hobbies were things like bingo with her special “sista” Rita and friend Jan, gambling (she loved her Buffalo machines!), shopping with her sister Veta, looking for savings and deals on anything her family might use or need, making to-do lists for Dave, and providing child care for Emilie.

She is survived by her son Nicholas Miller; sister Veta Zavala; nephews Michael (Kim) Zavala, Matthew Zavala, and Mark Zavala; great-nephews Michael and Luke Zavala; great-niece Sarah Zavala; stepson Tony (Sandy) Leato; step-grandson Ryan Ostrega; step-great-granddaughters Riley, Cherie, and Nova; special “sista” Rita (Dave) Butler; special cousin Emilie K. Miller (Jason and Lori Miller); grand-dog Xina; and loving dog Jesse Bubba Leato.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her Husband Ron Leato, father Otto Heinze, mother Lillian (Splatt) Heinze, and step-grandson John Ostrega.

A service will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made to ASPCA, City of Hope, and American Brain Tumor Association.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/las-vegas-cremation for the Leato family.