Faye was born on Friday, May 8, 1936, in rural Beecher City, IL, on the family farm to Lawrence William and Mary Elizabeth (Miller) Olinger. She was the youngest of four children, born almost to the day, two years after her parents lost their daughter, Charlotte Rose Marie, at only nine days old.
She graduated from Beecher City High School, Class of 1954. Immediately following, she traveled to Washington, D.C. There, she helped her brother Nelson and his wife Ella Lou with their family and also worked in an office at a hospital.
She met her future husband through a cousin. Their first date was to see the Thompson Mill Covered Bridge in Shelby County, IL. She married Richard R. Ellinger on Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956. He preceded her in death on June 8, 2024.
Faye is survived by her children: Katherine (Don) Taber of Canton, Homer William Ellinger of Midland, Texas, and Michael L. Ellinger of Canton, IL.
Grandchildren: Danielle Taber, Dustin (Brandy Cozad) Taber, Katelin Frank, and Brandon (Victoria) Ellinger.
Great-grandchildren: Kinsleigh, Karsyn, Chase, Jacoby, and Serenity.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Rick Allen Ellinger (2024), her parents, and her brothers: Pastor Nelson W. Olinger, Marvin L. Olinger, and infant sister Charlotte Rose Marie Olinger.
Faye was an accomplished seamstress, making winter coats for her children, Halloween costumes, and Barbie clothes. She loved cross-stitching, crocheting, quilting, and crafting.
Growing up, she belonged to the Baptist church. She, a friend, and her twin cousins, Lela and Lola, were a sought-after singing quartet for area churches.
She had a lovely flower garden with beautiful roses. Faye was a skilled cook and candy maker, known for her famous Divinity and Sour Cream Cherry Fudge. She also made jams and jellies, canned, baked, and could clean a fish with the best of them.
She enjoyed board games, especially Scrabble and Parcheesi. Both she and her husband played cards, including Pitch, Pinochle, and Bridge, with friends.
In her younger years, she played tennis and bowled. She would clean the house to "Big Band" music and try new dance moves while watching "American Bandstand." She was also a member of a Bunco group.
She was a member of the First Christian Church of Cowden, IL. She was a fun room mom, a helper in Bible School and 4-H. Faye was kind, humble, cheerful, and warm. She nurtured and cared deeply for her family and friends.
"Let not your hearts be troubled; You believe in God; believe also in me. In My Father's house are many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." ~John 14:1-3
The family extends their deep gratitude and appreciation for the caring staff at Red Oak Estates and for the kind, skilled care Faye received from Dr. Patrick Renick.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday February 27th at Henry-Lange Memorial Home in Lewistown with Pastor Shane Smith officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery at Lewistown. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the memorial home. As a life long animal lover memorial contributions may be made to Fulton County Humane Society or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be made at henrylange.com.
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