Mary Ellen (McBroom) Ray

Mary Ellen Ray, age 92, of Hillsboro, Illinois, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2024 at 9:29 p.m. at Hillsboro Health. Funeral Services for Mrs. Ray will be held on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service, also at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Hillsboro, Illinois and Rev. Kevin Simburger, Pastor of Mt. Olive Methodist Church in Mt. Olive, Illinois will be officiating.

Mary was born on January 22, 1932 in Hillsboro, Illinois and is the daughter of the late Virginia (Athey) (husband, Harley) Root and Earl McBroom. She was one of nine siblings and lived in East Fork Township her entire life. Mary had attended Schram City and Hillsboro schools; she pursued a career as a File Clerk for CEFS. On March 3, 1953, Mary married the love of her life, Marion, in Hillsboro, Illinois and in May of 1955, they welcomed their only child, Romona Jean. Mary and her husband celebrated 33 years of marriage, before he preceded in 1986. Mrs. Ray was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro as a child, Sorento Assembly of God, New Life Assembly in Coffeen, Donnellson Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Ladies Auxiliary, and she thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mrs. Ray is survived by her daughter, Romona Ray and sister, Audrey Blevins, both of Hillsboro, Illinois and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded by her parents, husband, and siblings; Eugene Dorf, Nelda Cole, Harley DeMoin Root, Virginia Blevins, Lola Watson, Joyce Chapman, and Larry Root.  

Memorials are suggested to Love Packages in Butler, Illinois and Jimmy Swaggart Ministries Bible-Thon.

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