Lary G Elliott, 81, of Cropsey, passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 1. He was born in Fairbury on Oct. 24, 1935. Lary was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy (Gee)and Virgil (Chid) Elliott, and an infant son, Klark Gee Elliott. Visitation to celebrate his life will be at the Fairbury Duffy-Pils Memorial Home on Friday evening from 5 – 8 p.m. A funeral will be officiated by Reverend Paulette Cottat 11 a.m. on Saturday at the Cropsey United Methodist Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family via duffypilsmemorialhome.com.In lieu of flowers, memorialsmay be made to Cropsey United Methodist Church, or toward research for the cure of Frontotemperal Dementia (Pick’s Disease).
Lary is survived by his loving wife, Marlene (Ifft), and their children: Pam Elliott (Doug Moore)-Bloomington; Kirk Elliott (Teresa Mansfield)-Wynnewood, Penn.; Paula (Brad) Putnam-Cropsey; Chris (Michelle) Elliott-Waterloo. Lary and Marlene have been blessed to share their lives with nine grandchildren.
A longtime resident of the Cropsey area, Lary was raised on the family farm with siblings Gary (Marilyn) Elliott of Fairbury, Terry (Cathy) Elliott of Farmer City and Judy (Robert) Sinclair of Champaign, all surviving. Laryloved farming and did so most of his adult life, many years with his Father. Agriculture is still a major part of the family’s lives.
Through the consolidation of Fairbury-Cropsey High SchoolLary met his future wife, Marlene, on an FFA/FHA hayride that would change his life forever. They were married May 15, 1955. Lary enjoyed participating in high school sports, earning letters in football, basketball and track. As an adult he loved to trapshoot,bowl, play cards, watch movies,and golf. Larywas also an avid fisherman,with friends and family often joining intreks to faraway places. Jigsaw puzzles were a favorite pastime in later years.
A regular attendee and active member of the Cropsey UMC, Lary’s faith was always important to him and he could be found singing hymns in church every Sunday morning.He also served the community as a Volunteer Fireman, Citizen’s State Bank of Cropsey Board Member, Election Judge, and CropseyTownship Trustee.
Lary’s vibrant character will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and those who knew him.