Ellen Louise Stovall

She was born May 19, 1919 in Hillsboro to William Henry and Lillian Mae (Andrews) Berger.  Her father was killed in the Sugar House explosion and later her mother married Carl Nolte.  She married Earl Bishop "Utay" Stovall on December 24, 1935 in Danvers.  He died on Feb. 26, 1994.  She also was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Earl Michael Stovall; one daughter, Earlene Jean Mishler; three brothers and two sisters.

Surviving are one daughter, Pat Roeder of Pekin; Pat’s friend, Jim McMullin (who Ellen always said was a keeper); eight grandchildren, Renee Sharp, Rhonda Barksdale, Jennifer Peterson, Mary Terrell, Tee Rynerson, Roberta Blanquart, Jeff Stovall and Jason Stovall; fifteen great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.

A homemaker, she had worked at American Distilling Company in Pekin. 

In her earlier years, Ellen loved to sew and had a special talent for making quilts and loved oil painting.  Later her favorite pastime was reading.  She loved her family and enjoyed many memorable get togethers.  She and Utay were fortunate to spend 8 years living in Arizona.  They also owned a small antique business for a few years. 

She was of the Methodist faith and had attended Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin with her daughter before her illness.  She also was a member of the Pekin Hospital League and volunteered for many years at the Nearly Nu Shop. 

Her family always felt she had a direct line to heaven and could make prayers come true. 

Her funeral will be at noon Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin.  The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate.  Visitation will be from 11 to 11:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. 

Arrangements are by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 503 North 4th Street, Pekin, IL  61554.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hallmark for their kindness and loving care.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com