Ellen Burkett

Ellen E. Burkett

Age 39 of Morris, passed away peacefully Sunday December 28, 2014 at her home following a long battle with cancer.

Born May 30, 1975 in Joliet, Ellen is a daughter of Beth (Thorson) Brooks and Carl Burkett. She was a graduate of Morris Community High School with the Class of 1993 and went on to earn her Aesthetician License. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Morris. Ellen's employment included working for Benefit Cosmetics at Macy's in Water Tower Place in Chicago, as well as serving as a regional manager for Decleor Cosmetics. It was during her tenure with Decleor, that Ellen had the opportunity to travel both stateside and abroad. She was a tremendous lover of all animals; enjoyed reading and shopping; took pleasure in music and dancing, and cherished her beloved coffee. Ellen had a passion for make-up artistry and demonstrated an extreme talent, which was cultivated from her childhood. She will be remembered as simple and elegant; full of grace, and loved by all who knew her.

Survivors include her parents: Beth and Steve Brooks of Morris and Carl and Gail Burkett of Plainfield; two sisters: Bridget (Scott) Miklausich of Locus Grove, Georgia and Megan (Dave) Murray of Minooka, as well as two lifelong friends, who were like sisters to Ellen: Keri Morse-Calvert of Jacksonville, Florida and Julie Yunker of Ottawa; two nieces and one nephew: Katie Miklausich, Ryan Miklausich and Sydney Murray and numerous, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ellen was preceded in death by her grandparents: Vernon "Bib" and Hazel Thorson, Carl and Doris Burkett and Philip and Helen Brooks.

The family will receive friends at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 East Jackson Street in Morris on Saturday January 3, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Life Celebration 11:00 a.m. Reverend Dr. Roy Backus will officiate.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Ellen's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.org) or to the Colon Cancer Alliance, 1025 Vermont Ave, NW Suite 1066, Washington, DC 20005 (www.ccalliance.org)

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Morris. (815-942-2500)