MENDOTA - Marliss Jean “Molly J” Ventura, 42, of Mendota passed away Jan. 15, 2021 at her home surrounded by family after a two-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 20 at Victory Baptist Church, Mendota with Rev. Steven Breedlove officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded after the services. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota is assisting the family.

Marliss was born July 15, 1978 in Spring Valley to Albert and Margo (Vaini) Ventura.

Survivors include her children, Jacob H. Ventura, 23, of Utica and Kambryah R. Ventura, 5, of Mendota; her siblings, Misty (Ben) Gracey of LaSalle, Amanda (David) Stevenson of Mendota, Thomas (Charity) Bye of Aurora, Diane (Gywan) Tanner of Wichita Falls, Texas, Albert Ventura III of West Palm Beach, Fla., Michelle (Jody) Stachowiak of Wichita Falls, Texas, Billy Ventura of West Palm Beach, Fla., Julie (Jamie) Cook of Wichita Falls, Texas, Dawn (Jeremy) Cromwell of LaSalle, Denise (Damien) Barroso of Peru, Darci Ventura of Spring Valley and Delilah Ventura of Aurora; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Margo Ventura, father Albert Ventura, Jr.; one nephew, Zach; one niece, Taylor; and her maternal and paternal grandparents.

Marliss was an employee at Horizon House for 14 years and was a long-time employee of Casey’s in Ladd. She loved to surround herself with fun people. She loved to laugh, live life on the edge and fly by the seat of her pants.

Memorials may be directed to the family.