Missy Binkley

Melissa A. Binkley, known lovingly as Missy, passed away on July 20, 2026, at home in Oswego, Illinois, leaving behind a life that was full of love, laughter, loud opinions, and the kind of presence that could fill a room before she even said a word. She was born on June 19, 1968, in Aurora, Illinois, and from the very beginning she was the sort of person who made sure the world knew she had arrived. Missy lived with a spark that was equal parts warmth and wit, and she carried that spark everywhere she went.

Missy was the daughter of Raeann Vicory and Ron Vicory, and she was deeply proud of the family she came from and the family she built. She was the wife of Jim Binkley, and together they shared a life that was grounded in love, laughter, and many hours spent on the patio and in the garden, especially while watching the hummingbirds put on their tiny aerial performances. She was the mother of Adam Binkley, Hailey Binkley, and Alec Binkley, and she was not just a wife and mother, but their best friend and strongest ally, her fur baby Stanley who was loved and cherished just like one of the kids. She was the sister of Cassie Amato and Megan Vicory, the aunt of Connor, Noah, Rachel K., Ashley, Chloe, Lauren, and Rachel A., and a lifelong friend of Kathy Davidson. The people who loved her knew that being loved by Missy meant being remembered, checked on, teased, supported, and sometimes lovingly cornered into hearing the same story one more time.

Missy met Jim while they were both working at Dominick’s, and over the past 36 years, they set an example of what a marriage should be. Through thick and thin, and everything in between, they remained devoted to each other. Their bond was unmistakable; no one ever doubted the love they shared, and everyone could feel it whenever they were in the room together.

Missy graduated from Oswego High School with the class of 1986, and she carried that piece of her life with the same pride she carried everything else. She was Christian in faith, and her life reflected the values of care, loyalty, and steadfast love that guided her every day. She had a way of making people feel looked after, whether she was handling the details of a family moment, offering a blunt opinion, or making sure everyone knew exactly what she thought. Missy was a force of nature, and no one ever had to guess where she stood. She made her thoughts, feelings, and opinions known to everybody, and she did so with a style that was unmistakably her own. She went on to have a fulfilling career with Chase doing what she loved.

Her interests were as lively and memorable as she was. Missy loved gardening, and she could spend hours tending to her plants with the same devotion she gave to the people in her life. She loved spending time yapping on the phone to anyone who would listen, and she especially cherished her calls with Adam, her late-night conversations with Alec, and her talks with her mom and dad. She loved her dog, Stanley, who was truly her best friend, and she enjoyed snuggling with him while watching television and catching a Blackhawks game. She loved her clean house, her Dunkin runs with Kathy, getting her nails done with Hailey, and playing games with her family, especially Rummikub. She loved traveling, coffee, and singing off-key at the top of her lungs, especially in the garden, where she likely believed she was giving a concert and not merely entertaining the neighbors. Another one of her favorite things to do was to call and text her sister Cassie anytime she had a free moment

Missy was kind, funny, and intelligent, and those words only begin to describe her. She had a sharp sense of humor, a big heart, and a talent for making ordinary moments unforgettable. She told the same story over and over again, and if you informed her that you had already heard it, she would probably act offended, repeat it anyway, and somehow make it even funnier the second or third time. That was Missy. She had a gift for making people laugh while also making sure they were cared for, and she could switch from playful sarcasm to fierce devotion without missing a beat.

Her life was one of connection, energy, and love. She leaves behind a family and circle of friends who will miss her voice, her laughter, her honesty, her stubbornness, and her unmatched ability to keep everyone on their toes. Missy lived fully, loved deeply, and made sure no one ever forgot her. Her memory will remain in every garden she tended, every phone call she answered, every game she played, every story she told, and every heart she fiercely protected.

For those who would like to support Missy Binkley’s family, donations can be made directly through Zelle to Hailey Binkley at (630) 853-0310. 

If you do not have access to Zelle, donations are also being accepted through GoFundMe. The link can be found here: https://gofund.me/c6f77ca08 

We are incredibly grateful for the love, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Missy Binkley, please visit our floral store.