Eileen was born January 23, 1935 in Sterling, IL, the daughter of John Paul and Margaret Gilley. She married Carl McDonald in Tampico, IL on January 23, 1954. Carl preceded her in death on February 8, 2013. They were married for 59 years.
The two of them enjoyed snowmobiling, playing cards and enjoying time with friends and going on fishing trips.
She spent several years volunteering with the American Red Cross in Sterling/Rock Falls, IL.
Eileen was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Sterling, IL until moving to FL where she attended Anastasia Baptist Church.
She leaves behind 2 daughters, Janice Attebury of Elkton, FL and Jill (John) Beatty of Elkton, FL,; four grandchildren, Nicole Attebury, Stacie Dao, Eddie Fritz and Joshua Fritz; eight great-grandchildren, Alex, Justin, Terri, Peyton, Jaiden, Brandon, Hunter and Haylee, all in Florida. One Brother, John P. Gilley of Orange Park, FL.
Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at McDonald Funeral Home, Rock Falls, IL on Saturday, August 22, 2026 from 10-11 a.m. with services immediately following. Reverend Scott Porter of Abiding Word Church in Sterling, IL will be doing the service. Burial will follow the service at Oak Knoll Memorial Park in Sterling. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Eileen’s memory.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.
