Mary Ellen Miller

Mary Ellen Miller, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on January 7, 2026. She was born on September 25, 1932 to Clara and Edward Grant. She married Leonard Miller on March 30, 1973. She is survived by her children, Butch (Cheryl) Worden of Missouri, Darla Martin of Peoria, Deb (Jeff) Brinsko, Denise (Ken) Flora of Peoria, and adopted in love to Laurie (Art) McKinley. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Susan Grant, 15 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 9 great-great grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her parents, husband, her daughter and son in law Debra (Tom) Margetich, son David Worden, brothers Edward (Donna) Grant, Bob Grant, and Ester (Dave) Worden, grandsons Patrick Schultz and Josh Thompson. Mary Ellen was a remarkable woman raising 5 children on her own. They didn’t have a lot of money growing up but she made every holiday or birthday special. Mary Ellen loved her family whole heartedly and enjoyed family gatherings immensely. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. She accomplished many things in her lifetime from raising her children to learning how to wood carve. She was an amazing cook and her baking was out of this world. She wasn’t one to sit still, retiring from 3 different jobs. She also volunteered at Red Cross. Mary Ellen will be missed tremendously for her wisdom, solid advice, and loving nature. She was so special to her family and friends. She went through many things in her lifetime but always had a positive outlook and was kind to everyone. She was adored by anyone who knew her. Her children had the utmost respect for their mother as she was mother and father to them all. She would always take time to listen to her children, give them the wisdom of her advice, cry with them, or just be their sounding board. As a grandmother she was top notch. She enjoyed watching her grandkids grow into adults, having families of their own. We could never put into words what Mary Ellen meant to all of us. We love and miss you so much already and our family will forever mourn the loss of this amazing woman. Services will be held at Northwoods Community church on Friday January 16th with visitation at 10 AM and services followed at 11 AM with Pastor Cal Rychener to officiate. Memorials can be made to Red Cross or Northwoods Community Church.

Mary Ellen Miller

September 25, 1932 - January 7, 2026