Mary Ellen Wernsing, 81, of Springfield, formerly of Harvel, passed away at 9:40 a.m. on Saturday, May 23, 2020 at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

 

Mary Ellen was born February 21, 1939 in Springfield, the daughter of Everett and Ellen (McWard) Bails. She married Carroll Max Wernsing on August 28, 1960 in Morrisonville, and they later divorced.

 

Mary Ellen graduated from Lincolnwood High School in 1957, and went on to study music at Illinois Wesleyan. She was co-owner and operator of the Wernsing & Son Meat Locker, in Harvel, until 1987. Mary Ellen then worked for US Bank in Springfield for many years, before finally retiring from the State of Illinois Treasurer’s office. In her retirement years, she worked as a Mary Kay consultant. Mary Ellen was a long-time member of the Harvel Christian Church, where she played piano and organ for over 30 years.

 

Mary Ellen loved America and was very patriotic. She kept family informed of the current events within the state and federal governments. Mary Ellen was also an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan and followed Illini Basketball. She enjoyed shopping for Christmas and birthday gifts, for family and friends, making selections that were “just right” for each individual. She loved cooking, finding new recipes, reading and sharing new ideas with others. Of all her talents and interests, one of her favorite pastimes was going out to eat with family and friends, celebrating special occasions, or just as an opportunity to visit.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Andrew Brown; and brother and sister-in-law, E. Richard and Deanna Bails.

 

Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Renee (husband, Stephen) Brown of Morrisonville; son, David (wife, Stephanie) Wernsing of Taylorville; grandchildren, Ethan (wife, Katie) Brown of Morrisonville, Alyssa (husband, SSG Matthew) Rever of Ft. Sill, OK, Leyton Brown of Urbana, PO2 Alexandria Wernsing of Jacksonville, FL, Anastasia Wernsing of Indianapolis, IN, Nicholas Wernsing of Taylorville, and Maria Wernsing of Taylorville; great grandchildren, Andrew and Tyler Brown, and Trenton and Adalyn Rever; nieces, Lisa (husband, Lynn) Waldeck of Farmersville, and Linda (husband, Curt) Poe of Sherman; and nephews, Steve Bails of Raymond, and Jim (wife, Annette) Bails of Springfield.

 

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 29, 2020 at Morrisonville Cemetery with Pastor James Jones officiating.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to: Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation, 733 Third Ave. Suite 510, New York, NY 10017, or Loving Arms Pregnancy Center, 500 N. Walnut Street, Taylorville, IL 62568.

 

The family has entrusted Perfetti-Assalley Funeral Home, 304 Carlin St., Morrisonville, IL 62546 with ceremonies.

 

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.