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BORN
1944
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Ellyn May Obituary
January 19, 1944 - May 22, 2025
Ellyn May, age 81, of Mattoon passed away on May 22, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center.
Memorial services honoring her life will take place at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at The Apostolic Center, 205 Country Club Road, Mattoon, IL 61938. Burial will take place at a later date. Visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday at the church. Schilling Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Ellyn was born on January 19, 1944 in Mattoon, the daughter of Jack and Katherine (Barnett) Storm. She married Joseph Elmer May Sr. on June 4, 1960. He preceded her in death on December 18, 2018.
Survivors include her children, Joseph (Tina) May of Arthur, IL and Susan (Alan) Johnson of Mattoon, IL; special nephew, Don Tucker of Mattoon, IL; grandchildren, Joey May of Mattoon, IL, Adam (Abbi) May of Mt. Pleasant, MI, Danielle (Ryan) Roth of Iisle, IL, Quinton (Kaitlin) Cunningham of Moulton, AL, Addilynn Cunningham (significant other, James Manrique) of Champaign, IL, Kenzie May and Caden (Hannah) May; several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Ellyn was preceded in death by her daughter, Cindy May; siblings, Pat Moran, Bud Storm, and Jack Storm; and grandson, Owen Cunningham.
Ellyn was a woman of unwavering faith, fierce love, and quiet strength who left a lasting impact on everyone blessed to know her. After more than 20 years of dedicated work at Blaw Knox, she continued to serve her community with the same devotion by volunteering at the local homeless shelter and food pantry, and supporting organizations like St. Jude and many others. A former member of Marshall Avenue Christian Church and a cherished part of the Apostolic Center in Mattoon, her life was a testament to the power of faith and service. She poured her love into her family and her kitchen. Her cheesy potatoes and pecan pie were legendary, and her "ugly" cookies were always the first to disappear. Her grandchildren adored her, and her heart overflowed with joy for the chance to know her great-grandchildren. She was the heart of her family, a driving force who inspired by example, giving generously, loving fully, and living a life rooted in purpose and grace.
Memorial donations in her honor may be given to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.schillingfuneralhome.net or Schilling Funeral Home's Facebook page.
Schilling Funeral Home
1301 Charleston Ave
Mattoon, IL 61938
217-235-0333
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