Mary Ellen Uhrick, 89, of Taylorville, passed away at 6:27 p.m. on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Taylorville Care Center.

 

Mary Ellen was born June 25, 1932 in Pawnee, the daughter of Frank and Vivian Grace (Moses) Oller. She married Ernest Smith, Sr. and together they had 4 sons. He preceded her in death on February 13, 1975. Mary Ellen, then, married Larry L. Uhrick on July 4, 1980, and he preceded her in death on July 10, 2020. Mary Ellen retired from the Sangamon Paper Company after many years of service. During her retirement she worked for many years at Christian County Mental Health. She was a long-time member of the Community of Christ in Taylorville.

 

She was also preceded in death by her parents; sons, David, Ernest “J.R.”, and Daniel Smith; grandsons, Colley and D.W. Smith; brother, Guy Oller; sister, Donna Jean Harris; sister-in-law, Olive Oller; and brothers-in-law, Merle Shea and Wayne Cravens.

 

Mary Ellen is survived by her son, H. Edward (wife, Pamela) Smith of Killeen, TX; daughters-in-law, Faye Smith of Granite City, Ruth Smith of Effingham, and Beth Smith of Granite City; 11 grandchildren; many great grandchildren; siblings, Virginia Shea of Springfield, Phyllis Cravens of Kincaid, Leland Oller of Moweaqua, and Pat (husband, Ellis) Sills of Shelbyville; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

 

Graveside Ceremony: 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at Camp Butler National Cemetery, 5063 Camp Butler Road, Springfield, IL 62707 with Rev. Mike Shea officiating. Military honors for Mary Ellen’s late husband, Larry, will be provided at that time as well.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to: Zion Lutheran Church ELCA, 400 Elevator Street, Farmersville, IL 62533.

 

The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568 with ceremonies.

 

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