Marjorie "Sue" B. Ellis

Marjorie “Sue” B. Ellis, 97, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away on December 2, 2022, at UnityPoint Methodist

Medical Center. She was born on December 31, 1924, the daughter of Lester and Alice (Rein)

Brunnenmeyer. Sue married William Allton Ellis on April 4, 1944.

 

Sue and Bill played together as children and as members of the Peoria High School band—Sue was a

drum major and played the drums; Bill played the trumpet. When Bill was called up to active duty in

World War II, their mothers sold his car and used the proceeds to buy an engagement ring for Sue. They

were married for more than fifty-four years when he passed.

 

She is survived by two daughters: Julie (R. Douglas) Marsh of Denver, Colorado, and Janet Ellis of Peoria;

two granddaughters Sarah (Todd) Leopold and Lindsay (David) Chatfield, both of Denver; and two great-

grandchildren Eleanor and Rhys.

 

Sue was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son William Todd Ellis, and brother Lester “Bob”

Robert Brunnenmeyer.

 

Sue worked as a secretary for the Peoria Ag Lab and later worked at Bergner’s. She volunteered for the

PTA and Girl Scouts at every level and at Proctor Hospital for over forty years. She was a long-time

member of PEO and the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria.

 

Probably out of necessity, Sue made nearly all of their daughters’ clothes and some for their son too.

From pajamas and culottes to coats and prom dresses, that sewing machine was always busy. And when

she wasn’t sewing, she was knitting, a skill that she continued until the last couple of years. Her passion

and love are knitted into every hat, scarf, and mitten.

 

A failing of this perfect woman? She wasn’t a very good cook, but don’t tell her that.

Granddaughter Lindsay says, “Gramma was the perfect grandmother. …Kind and sweet, she spoiled us

and loved us completely. She was a refuge and place of rest—whenever I visited, she always took care of

me, even when I was there to take care of her! She was my advisor and confidant; she was my friend

and oftentimes co-conspirator. She was safe and warm and just the best.”

 

Cremation Rites have been entrusted to Cumerford-Clary Funeral Home in Peoria, Illinois. A celebration

of life will be held at the Universalist Unitarian Church of Peoria starting at 3pm on Saturday January 14, 2023. Private burial will take place at

Swan Lake Memory Gardens.

 

In lieu of flowers, Sue would appreciate donations to the Children’s Home Association of Illinois (2130 N.

Knoxville) or a charity of your choice.

 

Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.cumerfordclary.com.