PONTIAC – Ellen J Burns, 79, passed away August 19, 2019 at The Manor at Elfindale. She was born in Pontiac, Illinois on August 25, 1939.
She is preceded in death by her parents Josephine & Francis Sullivan and husband Joseph H Burns.
She is survived by sisters, Jane Monterastelli (John) of Bloomington, IL, Kathleen Tedrick of Clinton, IL and Patricia Wockley of Pittsburgh, PA; children Marilyn Martin Melchiorre (Ron) of Boise, ID, and Michael Martin of Blue Springs, MO. Sister in law Fannie Replogle (Steve) of Jonesboro, AR. Grandchildren; Marilyn’s children Madison Smith Huang (Peter) of Arlington, TX and Tanner Smith of Boise, ID. Michael’s children, Hannah Martin, Grant Martin & Isaac Martin of Kansas City, MO. And many cousins and nieces and nephews.
Ellen retired from the Missouri Department of Revenue where she had worked for 26 years, retiring as the Branch Manager for the downtown Springfield office.
In retirement Ellen enjoyed playing golf, many social groups, and weekly Mahjong, Hand and Foot, or Bridge games. Ellen traveled the world, enjoying trips to Canada, Europe, Iceland, Ireland, England, Egypt, and China. She also traveled extensively in the US to national parks and historic sites. She visited 49 of the 50 US states. The most recent adventure in November 2018 had her dancing in a parade in New Orleans and throwing out beads. A highlight of all her travels was enjoying the local food and drinks.
She was always interested in, and active in politics. She also had many volunteer passions that included volunteering at Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, Salvation Army, Greater Ozarks Audubon Society and Friends of the Library annual book sale.
Ellen was loved by her friends and family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate care givers at The Manor at Elfindale and Phoenix Hospice Care.
Visitation will be held in Springfield, MO from 4-6pm on Thursday, August 22 at Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E Walnut Street, Springfield MO. A visitation will also be held in Chenoa, IL from 1-2:30pm on Saturday, August 24, at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, 302 Lincoln St, Chenoa, IL. Burial will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Chenoa. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of local arrangements.
Memorial contributions are suggested in Ellen’s name to: Greater Ozarks Audubon Society
P.O. Box 3231, Springfield, MO 65808-3231.
To leave online condolences go to www.hhlohmeyer.com or www.duffypilsmemorialhome.com
