Mary Ellen Genung

1941 - 2025

Mary Ellen Genung

April 15, 1941 - May 10, 2025

Mary Ellen (Miller) Genung, 84, of Eureka, Ill., passed away peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on May 10, 2025. She was born on April 15, 1941, in Terre Haute, Ind., to John C. and Gertrude W. (Branham) Miller.

Mary often recounted fond memories of her childhood growing up on a small farm. During her final year of high school, she was introduced to the love of her life, Jack Genung, by her best friend. Excited to begin their new life together, Mary and Jack were married on June 10, 1959, in Terre Haute. They shared 57 joyous years together before Jack's passing.

Mary was a devoted and loving mother to their three sons-Mark, Brad, and Scott. One of their favorite family pastimes was boating, and they cherish many joyful memories spent on the water together.

Mary was an excellent cook, and her passion for cooking and nutrition led her to pursue a career in the food service industry. After earning a certificate in Dietary Management from Illinois Central College, she held positions as an Assistant Dietician and Dietary Manager at several healthcare facilities. She was especially proud to have launched the Dietary Program at Eureka Hospital in the 1980s.

Among her many interests, Mary loved participating in Civil War reenactments with her husband and her son Scott's family. A skilled seamstress, she artfully crafted period dresses-from simple workwear to elaborate ballgowns-that reflected her deep connection to history. This love of the past sparked an interest in genealogy, ultimately leading to identifying an ancestor who was a Revolutionary War Patriot, which allowed her to become a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She also enjoyed traveling across the Midwest, exploring covered bridges, gardening, and fishing at Eureka Lake with her husband.

Mary is survived by her sons, Mark (Kathy), Brad (Christine), and Scott (Carol) Genung; grandchildren, Heather (Devin) Walker, Sarah (Ryan) Dosier, Rebecca Seward (Leo), Beatrix Genung, Joshua (Maria) Genung, and Ashley Genung (Nathan); and one great-granddaughter, Scarlett Walker.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a sister, Vivian (Miller) Shipley; and brothers, William and John E. "Jack" Miller.

Services will be held on May 28, 2025, at Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Eureka, with visitation at noon and a memorial service at 2 p.m. A graveside ceremony will follow at Olio Township Cemetery in Eureka. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Carle Eureka Hospital in Mary's memory and tributes left at www.argoruestmanharris.com. Mary's legacy of love, dedication, and service will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her.

Argo-Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home

508 S. Main St., Eureka, IL 61530

309-467-2423