Mary K. (Toots) Ellicott of Morrison, IL, departed this life on June 11, 2025, just a few days short of her 97th birthday.
She was born on June 23, 1928, to Harry and Fanny (Oberlink) Willms, at the family farm in rural Brownstown, IL. She had three brothers (Gerald Willms, Fred Willms, Sr., and Don Willms) and one sister (Frances Washburn), all from the Brownstown/Vandalia, IL, area. All of them preceded her in death. Mary married H. Ben Ellicott on September 8, 1949, (deceased October 23, 2008,) after he returned from service in World War II, and while he was in college. They moved to Morrison, in 1952 for General Electric Co.; built a home together; raised three boys, Jim (Kathi) Ellicott of Fenton, IL, Tom (Cindy) Ellicott of Gettysburg, PA, and Max (Beth) Ellicott of Cordova, IL.
Mary worked several jobs before and during marriage. She was mainly a stay-at-home Mom who raised her family and provided great support for her husband. Her sweet, generous, servant’s heart belied an inner strength and wisdom. She avoided the spotlight, but had many friends, who sought her listening ear and counsel.
Mary will be missed by her three sons, their wives, ten grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and her church family at Brethren in Christ Church in Morrison, IL.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Morrison Brethren in Christ Church, Morrison, IL.
Arrangements were completed by the McDonald Funeral Home in Fulton, IL.
Online condolences may be sent to www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com.