Ellen M. Pierce

Ellen M. Pierce, 79, passed away on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at OSF St Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

She was born on February 18, 1942 in Canton. She was raised by her father Loren and Margaret Lefler. They preceded her in death along with her mother Betty Bordwine.

She married Dale L. Pierce Sr. on January 22, 1961 in Canton. He preceded her in death on January 24, 1997.

Surviving are her sons, Jeffery Pierce of Burlington IA, Dennis Pierce of Canton, one daughter, Tanya Pierce of Burlington, IA, Six grandchildren, Kimberly Pierce, Mollie (Richard) Estlick, Jessica Pierce, Katasha (Jeremy) Smith, Joshua Pierce, Tazlee Pierce and eight great grandchildren, Phoenix, J.P., Madison, Jarrett, Jazz, Brayden, Allison and Bella along with one half-brother Dennis.

Also preceding her in death is one son Dale Pierce Jr., one half-sister, Marsha Simpson and one brother Terry Lefler.

Ellen graduated from Fairview Valley High School in 1960. She received an AA from Spoon River College in 1985 and later attended Western Illinois University.

She attended H&R Block Income Tax School in 1978 and 1979 and received a certificate to prepare federal and state income taxes. She worked for H&R Block in 1978 and Mildred Nagle Accounting and Tax Service from 1978 to 1984.

She was a Multi-Township Assessor in Fulton County for the Liverpool and Waterford Townships for the years 1985-1988.

She began attending SRC in June 1982 and became a student worker in 1985 and started working as a classified staff employee part-time in October 1986. She then began to work full-time in July 1985 in the Personal Office and Community Office as a secretary. In 1989 she was elected for secretary/office worker of the year. She was a consultant for the Small Business Development Center at Spoon River College in 1989. In 1990-1991 an appreciation and recognition certificate were issued to Ellen for helping the Spoon River College Foundation for several years. Ellen was disabled in 1991 and retired in 1992. She was a secretary and newspaper editor for GWRRA Chapter B in Macomb from 1994-1998. She was also a member od the Christian Motorcycle Club.

She was a member of the Free Methodist Church in Canton and became secretary/treasurer from 1997-1999. She also taught Sunday School. At one time she was a member of Maples Mill Nazarene Church and was involved in Sunday School, Vacation Bible School and teaching. She also helped with the 4-H in the judging and recording for Fulton County.

Lastly, she was an active member of St David Nazarene Church and was a longtime board member.

She enjoyed sewing and crafts. She enjoyed riding motorcycles and going to the functions that they sponsored. When her husband was still alive, they traveled on the motorcycle through out the United States and also made a trip to Canada.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, from 5-7 pm at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton with a funeral held on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 11 am at the funeral home. Due to COVID-19 restrictions masks will be required.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lewistown.

Memorials may be made to the Lung Association or to the American Heart Association.

To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com