Ella Jo Gillespie

Ella Jo Gillespie, 89, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Celebrate of Moline.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.

The former Ella Jo Picco was born September 11, 1936, in Springfield, Illinois, the daughter of Bernard Walter and Ella Marie (Buckley) Picco. She married George Gillespie on June 2, 1956, and the couple had four children prior to separating.

She had a strong faith, at different times attending St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Davenport, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, East Moline. She was a collector of cardinals, elephants and anything Christmas related. She also loved crafting, crocheting and cake decorating. Nothing compared, though, to the joy she felt when spending time with her pride and joy, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ella Jo is survived by three children and their spouses, Lori “Jane” and Richard Davis of Carterville, Illinois, Susan and Curtis Hanson of Colona, and Charles and Theresa Gillespie of Rock Island; 11 grandchildren, Jennifer King, Chad Davis, Megan Whitecotton, Grant Davis, Kelly Hanson, Courtney Babeu, Caitlin Bell, Curtis Hanson III, Sara Holmes, Shawn Gillespie, and Chris Gillespie; and 11 great-grandchildren, Emilly King, Lyla and Nora Whitecotton, Emma and William Davis, William and Henry Bell, Annabella Babeu, Henry Holmes, and Aninamarie and Sammy Gillespie. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Georgianna Gillespie; three siblings, Mary Kay Landrus, John Picco, and Bernard Picco; and her lifelong friend, Brian Wagner.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.