Vera Ellis

Vera M. Ellis

Age 85 of Gardner, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at Heritage Health in Dwight.

Born June 20, 1929 in Murrayville, Illinois, Vera was a daughter of the late George and Margaret (Simmons) Hayes. She was raised and educated in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. Vera worked many years as a hostess at several of the area local establishments, most recently being the Riviera. She was a member of Church of Hope in Gardner and took pleasure in knitting and crocheting. Vera was an avid reader who also loved cooking and baking. Vera was a social butterfly, who greatly enjoyed spending time with her kids and grandkids. She will always be remembered for her radiant smile and her gift of making everyone feel special.

Survivors include her children: Linda (Dean) Christensen of Gardner, Janet (John) Cerutti of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Gary (Kim) Lucca, Gerald (Toni) Lucca and Sandra Kilgore, all of Gardner, Morris, Jr. (Beth) Ellis of Spring, Texas, Margaret (Terry) Bollino of Braidwood, Lisa (Gerry) Sears of Joliet, Todd Ellis of Gardner and Lori Ellis of Spring, Texas; (24) grandchildren: Ryan (Amy) Christensen, Julie Beth Christensen, Aaron (Dee) Cerutti, Jennifer Cerutti, Brock Cerutti, Tony (Evie) Lucca, Courtney Lucca, Kristen Wright, Emily Lucca, Misti (Michael) Coates, Cori Faught (Kuyante Woods), Sarah Ellis, Ross Ellis, Jason (Courtney) Bollino, Matthew (Stefa) Bollino, Neal (Ellen) Bollino, Nathan Bollino, Addie Saltzman, Abbie Saltzman, Cassandra Saltzman, Mandie Ellis, Jessica (Chris) Schaefer, Kyle Sears, Gerry Sears, Jr.; (33) great grandchildren: Case, Caden, Cal, Lauren, Olivia, Jack, Gia, Madison, Grace, Taylor (Austin), Isabelle, Autumn, Zoey, Vincent, Anthony, Maximus, Owen, Evan, Adam, Madeline, Ashley, Hollie, Emma, Grace, Sharice, Simone, Mekhi, Marcus, Miguel, Bianca, Donavin, Lillian and Kyle; one great-great grandson Hudson.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents; husband Morris Ellis, Sr. and one brother Gerald Hayes.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. until time of funeral service 5:00 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 203 Liberty Street in Gardner. Reverend Jan Chandler from Church of Hope will officiate. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Vera's memory to the Gardner Food Pantry, c/o Church of Hope, 202 North Monroe Street, Gardner, Illinois 60424.

Family and friends may sign the guest book or visit Vera's memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and cremation arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Gardner. (815-237-2526)