Mary Elizabeth Soat, 83, of Galena, IL, formerly of Scales Mound, IL, died on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Midwest Senior Care Nursing Home in Galena, IL after a brief illness with Covid-19.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at St. Mary’s Church in Galena, IL.  A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, at 10:30 a.m. at St. (Mary’s) Church, Galena, IL with Rev. Peddineni Arogyaswamy officiating. Burial will be St. Michael’s Cemetery, Galena, IL.

Mary was born on June 2, 1943, in Freeport, IL, daughter of William H and Florence M (Stephan) Huilman.  She married Robert “Bob” J Soat on June 26, 1965 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Scales Mound, IL.  Together they farmed many years in Galena, IL.

Mary was a 1961 graduate of Scales Mound High School and then attended Bayless Business College in Dubuque, IA.   She worked at the Galena Gazette from October 1962 until her retirement 55 years later, in December 2017.  Mary was a huge Cubs fan, having attended many games.  She enjoyed following various sports teams, traveling, attending country music concerts, and spending time with family and her granddaughters.

Mary is survived by her husband, Robert “Bob”; son and daughter-in-law Terry and Angela “Angel” Soat, East Dubuque; four granddaughters:  Amanda, Trisha, Jessie and Sammie Soat; brothers:  John (Dianne) Huilman, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, and Charles Huilman, Platteville, WI; sister Dorothy Huilman, Scales Mound, IL; sister-in-law Carol Soat, Galena; along with nieces, nephews and cousins; and treasured lifelong friends, Richard and Jean Schaber.

She was preceded in death by her parents; parents-in-law Elmer and Viola Soat; brother James “Mike” Huilman; in-laws:  Miriam “Mim” Huilman, Helen (Wesley “Wes”) Richardson, Ruth (Clarence “Chris”) Anger, Carol May Soat, Richard Soat; and nephew Ryan Weidman.

Miller Funeral Home, East Dubuque, is assisting the family.