Ellen Marie Peecher

Ellen was born July 24, 1936, in Springfield, IL, the daughter of Ivan and Helen (Bradshaw) Merritt. She married Raymond C. Peecher on October 20, 1956, and raised a beautiful family. Raymond preceded her in death in 1990.

Ellen began her journey at North Crows Mill Elementary School and later graduated with the Ball Chatham High School Class of 1954. Chatham was home for her entire life, a place she loved and never wished to leave. She worked for AC&R and Franklin Life, but her true life’s work was caring for others. Ellen had a gift for nurturing—she was everyone’s caregiver, the one people turned to for comfort, kindness, and steady support. She lived with a quiet strength, working hard and taking great pride in her independence.

Family and friends were the center of her world. She treasured every visit, every conversation, and especially her cherished “frappé days,” which always brought her joy. She loved being outdoors, tending to her yard, watching the birds that gathered there, and planting the flowers she adored so much. Music filled her home and heart, especially Céline Dion and gentle classical melodies. Ellen lived a life of love, generosity, and simple joys—touching the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Helen; husband, Raymond; son, Kraig Peecher; and brother, Lee Merritt.

Ellen is survived by her children, Kevin Peecher of Auburn, IL and Karee (Ray) Skaggs, Jr. of Fort Pierce, FL; grandchildren, Ashlee (Joe) Miller of Chatham, Amberlee (Devan) Little of Glen Carbon, and Jordan (Bri) Skaggs of Fort Pierce, FL; great grandchildren, Kasten and Kayne Newberry, Logan Miller, Finley, Memphis and Corbin Little, Callie Rae Skaggs; and sisters, Emily Jane Gwinn of Auburn, IL and Elmina Carroll of Springfield, IL.

Gathering & Memorial Ceremony: The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home-Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL, until the time of the Ceremony at 12:00 p.m. with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.