Mary Ellen Galbreath

CHARLESTON, IL – Mary Ellen Galbreath, age 71 of Charleston, passed away on Friday, April 13, 2012 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.  Visitation for family and friends will be held this evening, Monday, April 16, 2012 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston.  Services honoring and celebrating her life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at the funeral chapel with Reverend Roy Lineberry officiating.  Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery, Oakland, Illinois.   It is requested that memorial gifts in her honor be made to the Silas K. Sims Scholarship.  Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service, or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL 61920. 

Mary Ellen was born on May 29, 1940 in Coles County, Illinois, a daughter of the late Olen Dale and Josephine M. (Lanman) Sims.  She married Loren Homer Boardman on August 3, 1958 in Charleston and he preceded her in death in September of 1960.  She later married Jerry Galbreath in 1963 in St. Louis.  Mary Ellen is survived by four devoted children, Lana Reed and husband Alan, Loren Galbreath and wife Donya, all of Charleston, Lynn Duncan and husband Mike of Manchester, Tennessee, Larry Galbreath and wife Michelle of Ashmore, Illinois; nine grandchildren, Brett Reed and wife Lacey, Shelby Reed, Cody Galbreath and wife Emily, Wade Galbreath, Makayla Galbreath and boyfriend Trey Katz, Julia Duncan and boyfriend, Justin Vaughn, Landon Duncan, Shania Galbreath, Dusten Galbreath; two great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Reed and Isaiah Vaughn and three more on the way; three brothers, Fred Sims and wife Judy, Kenny Sims and wife Chris, all of Charleston. Frank Sims and wife Dana of Mobile, Alabama; three sisters, Peggy Shonkwiler and husband Dale, Patty Miller and husband Ron, all of Charleston, Nancy Taylor and husband Calvin of Oakland, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Bennie Cox of Humboldt, Illinois, a godson, Mike Sims and wife Teresa of Charleston; and many, many nieces and nephews and their families.  In addition to her parents and first husband, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Cox. 

Mary Ellen was previously employed with Ampad in Mattoon and also the Charleston Water Department.  For many years she operated a daycare in her home.  She was a member of the Providence Separate Baptist Church, Women of the Moose, Charleston Chapter #1175 and the Charleston Bowling Association. 

Mary Ellen was blessed with an artful ability and enjoyed painting, sewing, knitting, crocheting and quilting, a love which she shared with her daughter-in-law, Donya.  She was an avid bowler, liked working jigsaw puzzles and whose great sense of humor made it fun to be in her company whether you were enjoying a game of cards or playing a board game.  Mary Ellen also liked cooking –especially for her family; and during the summer months, could be found outdoors mowing the lawn which she did not consider to be a chore, but an enjoyment.  She loved children, not only her own but the many children she cared for in her daycare as well. She treasured long-lasting friendships and many of these friends, also known as the "Lunch Bunch" gather every Wednesday at noon for a meal and good times – she enjoyed being a part of that group.  It was her family which provided for her the greatest joys in life.  She was born into a loving family and she and her siblings and their spouses maintain a close relationship and gather once a month for dinner.  Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have also been blessed with her loving devotion – she adored them all.  She was always there for them and they can treasure those many memories of special times shared. 

As a result of Mary Ellen's giving spirit, following her death she was able to donate her corneas so that someone might have the gift of sight.  She was a special lady who will be missed but fondly remembered by her family and many friends.