She was born on November 3, 1935, in Long Beach, California, to Russell and Mary (Hand) Branchfield.
She was first married to Robert Fouts, who preceded her in death. She later married Brooks “M.B.” Carver, who survives.
Also surviving are her children, Theresa (Kent) Waldrop, Susan (Mark) Agnoletti, Alison Watson, and Steven (Michelle) Fouts; twelve grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; stepchildren, Becky Carver and Lisa Carver Gray; four step-grandchildren; and six step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Kathleen Geargart, and Carolyn Varner
Mary Ellen worked as a secretary and bookkeeper before becoming co-owner, alongside her husband Brooks, of a successful business in Beardstown. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Canton and was active in the Fulton County Playhouse from its inception in 1978. She appeared in several productions, including See How They Run, South Pacific, and Laura, and served as the makeup coordinator for most performances.
Mary Ellen was a talented artist, working in watercolor, pastel, and alcohol ink. She shared her passion by teaching watercolor painting through the Spoon River College Community Outreach Program and was a member of the Committee for Art on Main in Canton. She also enjoyed sailing—an activity she learned from Brooks while living in Florida—and they cherished their travels together.
Cremation rites have been accorded through Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Canton, per her wishes. A burial of her ashes will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Canton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Canton Are Heritage Museum.
To leave online condolences, please visit oakshinesfuneralhome.com
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