Marcheta Joy (Harris) Ellsworth

Marcheta Joy (Harris) Ellsworth, 75 peacefully passed away at her home in St. Louis, Mo on Friday, November 8th at 12:15pm.

Marcheta was born on September 4, 1944, in Canton, to Ralph and Rossie (Williams) Harris. She married Don E. Ellsworth on March 29, 1976. He proceeded her in death on November 10, 2018.

She is also proceeded in death by two sisters who passed in infancy, Shelby and Sandra, as well as a grandson, Peyton Ellsworth.

She is survived by 4 children, Doug Ellsworth of Urbana, IL, Brad (Melanie) Ellsworth of Austin, TX, Angel Venegoni of St. Louis, MO and Tiffany (Jeramy) Ellsworth of Normal, IL, 4 grandchildren (Ryan (Tamra), Marisa, Brandon and Drew), and one great granddaughter (Henleigh). Also surviving are two brothers, Monte and Max Harris, both of Banner, IL as well as many close cousins, nieces and nephews.

After graduating from Timber Tigers High School in Glasford, IL in 1962, she went on to obtain her teaching degree from Northeast Missouri State Teachers college in Kirksville, Missouri in 1967. She taught at several schools within Fulton County, but the majority of her career was spent as a 3rd grade teacher at Westview Elementary. After teaching in Canton District 66 for 25 years, she retired in 2000. But she wasn’t ready to let it go entirely and continued to teach in Camdenton, Mo for a few more years. Her devotion to her students and their success proves that teaching was one of her greatest passions in life. She not only taught students the curriculum, she encouraged and inspired countless individuals as an educator.

Marcheta started dancing at a young age and traveled with her mom’s troop of the “Little Sister’s Square Dancers” to perform statewide. As an adult, she opened her own dance studio, choreographed her own productions, plays and pageants. Dancing brought her much happiness and she never hesitated to be the first on the dance floor if the music hit her!

She also enjoyed traveling. After retiring from teaching, she worked as a tour bus guide in Sun City West, AZ. It combined her love for learning, teaching and experiencing new places.

Many moments and memories were made on the water and just having fun. She loved spending time with her family and friends and her laughter and smile will be greatly missed.

2 years ago, Marcheta was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. Her family would like to thank the countless members of the staff at Siteman Cancer Center for their continued compassion and support. In her memory, the family requests contributions be made to the Siteman Cancer Center, MSC 1204-414-2300, 7425 Forsyth Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63105 or online at siteman.wustl.edu/tribute. Please indicate the gift is in memory of Marcheta by writing a memo on your check.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 7, 2019 at Sedgwick Funeral Homes & Crematory in Canton. A visitation will be held from 11:00 – 2:00 PM. Rev. K Bruce Rushing will officiate. A burial of ashes will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton, IL. To make online condolences you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com