Ilene (Dunaven) Elledge

Ilene Elledge, age 98 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Liberty Village in Pittsfield, IL. She was born January 29, 1927, in Nebo, IL to Ray T. and Eda Sanders Dunaven. Ilene married Garold T. Elledge September 18, 1948, and he preceded her in death November 23, 1998.

Ilene graduated from Nebo High School in 1945 and went on to attend Gem City College. She worked at Moorman’s in Quincy as a secretary and later worked at the Old Age Assistance Office in Pittsfield. She then became a homemaker and helped her husband on the farm until she went back to work at the Nebo Grade School for several years before returning back to the farm as a farmwife. Ilene was a faithful member of the Nebo Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, helped with Bible School, was a member of WMU, enjoyed studying the history of the Bible and was always happy to pick up anyone who needed a ride. After moving to Pittsfield, she attended Calvary Baptist Church. Ilene was a true sportswoman who played fast pitch softball until she was over 40, loved to bowl and was a member of both the women's league and couples league, enjoyed riding bicycles with friends, and actively walked a mile a day until she was in her 90’s. She loved to read, liked watching the Young & Restless, and was an avid Cubs fan. Ilene was a great cook and was well known for her lemon cookies. She always planted a huge vegetable garden each year and took delight in canning her bountiful harvest which was a true family affair. She was a strong, independent, stubborn, and determined lady who loved her family big, especially her grandchildren and will be dearly missed by all.

Ilene is survived by daughters, Rhonda (Dick) Houchins and Carrie Reed, both of Pittsfield, IL; grandchildren, Caleb (Heidi) Houchins, Colin (Charlsie) Houchins, Callie (Bryce) Bushmeyer, John Travis Reed, Aaron (Ashley) Reed, Jenna (Derek) Yelliott, and Drew (Sierra) Reed; great grandchildren, Cale Houchins, Nolan Houchins, Lincoln Houchins, Graham Houchins, Brennan Pinkerton, Reese Bushmeyer, Pierce Bushmeyer, Trenton Reed, Vance Reed, Rylee Reed, Madison Reed, Gavon Reed, Lane Yelliott, Kelsey Yelliott, Lucas Yelliott, and Ana Reed; and many special nieces and nephews also survive.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ray and Eda Dunaven; husband, Garold Elledge; son, Dale Elledge; great grandson, Roman Bushmeyer; siblings, Donald Dunaven, Erma Richards, Virginia Booth, and Mary Sidwell; in-laws, Floyd and Lena Elledge.

Funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Pittsfield, IL with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the church. Interment will follow the service at Nebo Cemetery in Nebo, IL.  Memorials are suggested to be made to Nebo Cemetery or Nebo Community Club. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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