Melissa Ellis

Melissa M. Ellis, 50, passed on Friday, November 9, 2012 at Jersey Community Hospital in Jerseyville, IL.

She was born on August 14, 1962, in Alton, IL, the daughter of Jack and Carol Anne (Richards) Strader.

Melissa married Lyman E. “Lee” Ellis, III on February 28, 2002 in Elsah, IL. She was employed by Strader Rehabilitation and Strader Investments where she held numerous roles including corporate secretary, job placement counselor, restaurant manager, and group facilitator. Melissa Also Worked as an adjunct faculty member in the College for Life Program at Lewis and Clark Community College.

Melissa was an active member in the First Church of Christ Scientist, Alton/Godfrey. She attended Lewis and Clark Community College, was a graduate of the GOAL program at Greenville College, and received her Master’s Degree in Adult Education from Capella University. She was interested in politics and was an active humanitarian, involved in recycling programs, animal shelters, and working with the disabled population. She also loved to cook and spend time with her family.

She is survived by her husband, Lee; father, Jack; two sons, Jordan Jones, and Jacob Ellis, both of Elsah; a step-son, Steven and his wife Devon Ellis of Wellesley, MA; a step-daughter, Lindsay and  her husband Tim Hess of Larkspur, CA; two step grandchildren, Rylee Ellis and Parker Hess; her mother-in-law, Vilma Ellis of Whitesboro, NY; a sister Laura Ann and her husband Michael Mitchell of Gonzoloas, LA; two brothers, John R. Strader of Collinsville, and Andrew and his wife Michelle Strader of Alton; an uncle, Timothy and his wife Kary Richards of Alton; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in eternal love by her mother, Carol Anne; and her father-in-law Lyman Ellis.

Per her wishes, cremation rites will be accorded

In celebration of her life a memorial visitation will be held from 5 pm until the time of service at 6:30 pm on Tuesday November 13, 2012 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey. Mark McCurpies, C.S. will be officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Hope Animal Shelter.