Mary Ellen Ward, 89, of Rushville died at 2:35 a.m. April 19, 2017, at the Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rushville.Mary Ellen Ward, 89, of Rushville died at 2:35 a.m. April 19, 2017, at the Rushville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Rushville.
She was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Troy, Ala., a daughter of Roy Benjamin and Frances Oree McCurley Conner. She married Albert Merle Ward on Sept. 22, 1945, in Troy. He preceded her in death on Dec. 16, 2014.
She also was preceded in death by two brothers, Ray Connor and Billy Connor.
Surviving are three sons, Ronald Gene (and Cynthia) Ward of Macomb and Robert Merle “Bob” (and Linda) Ward and Roger Allen Ward, both of Rushville; one sister, Jacqueline “Jackie” Gulledge of Ozark, Ala.; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She first worked at The L & H Drive-In, The Cozy Corner and was the manager of the Maid Rite. She worked for 22 years at Culbertson Memorial Hospital as Food Service Manager and Supervisor of the Dietary Department, retiring in December, 1985. She and Albert also operated Mary’s Ceramics from their home from 1982 to 2000.
She was a member of First United Methodist Church, where she volunteered for many activities, Wesley Ann Circle and the Schuyler American Legion Auxiliary Post #4 in Rushville. She also was a member of the American Diabetes Association, where she served as Central Illinois District President and won the 100 percent Presidents Award. She served as a Room Mother at school along with being a Cub Scout leader for nine years.
Services were held Saturday at the Wood Funeral Home in Rushville with Reverend Grant Armstrong officiating. Burial was in the Rushville City Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to her church or Culbertson Memorial Hospital Foundation.
Condolences may be sent to www.woodfuneralhome.online.
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