Memories of Ellen Kay Thomas | Ever Loved

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In memory of

Ellen Kay Thomas

Galesburg, IL

1960 - June 11, 2023

1960 - Jun 11, 2023

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Ted Lemen

Ellen was a huge music fan, at least when it came to events I was involved in. Because she worked during the annual PianoStravaganzas on the Spirit of Peoria riverboat where she labored in the gift shop on the Texas deck on many cruises, she came up to the Hotel Pere Marquette in Peoria to see what the music was all about. Soon she was a volunteer at the World Championship Old-time Piano Playing Contest, both in Peoria and then when it moved to Oxford, Mississippi in 2016. She also got involved in the Marty Sammon's Blues Flings I began in the Chicago area, first as a mortgage-lifter for Marty, who was about to lose his house, then as a series of shows that Marty headlined for the next nine years. Ellen came to hear Marty and other Blues musicians from whom she got autographs, sometimes on posters but mostly on t-shirts. Her job was in the kitchen, however, where she helped dish up food for up to 200 Blues fans who showed up for the shows. When Marty passed away in October of 2022, Ellen came to the Memorial service in Blue Island even though she wasn't feeling well. While I talked to her on the phone several times after that, I never saw her in person again, and she missed the 2023 contest in Oxford MS, much to the disappointment of those who cared about her. As we plan for the 50th anniversary piano contest this coming Memorial Day weekend, I can't forget all the music events she helped with throughout the years. We all miss her.

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bryan merrill

I am sorry for your loss. Ellen was supportive and engaging every time i saw her.

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Rachel Lee

Jean & Bill Stift

Praying for your family. We hope cherished memories will help in your healing.

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Rachel Lee

Please consider a gift to Galesburg Public Library Foundation.

$1,050.00

Raised by 14 people

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Kimberly Magee-Barton

Shared a heart

Debbie Hessler

1978, Galesburg, IL, USA

I met Ellen when we both worked at JC Penny at the mall. We became best friends. Ellen and Michael, and Mark and I, would play cards and enjoy cocktails every weekend as our families expanded. We went as couples to St Louis several times for ball games and the botanical garden. Ellen and I used to win a lot in cards. Especially canasta. I remember one time we were playing pictionary and I simply made a straight line and Ellen yelled "Alligator!", and it was right! We were accused of cheating, which we had not done. I was as surprised as the guys. We were great friends and I have great memories!

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Rachel Lee

Beth Magee

Comments:

Rachel Lee

I never knew the alligator story! :D I never knew the alligator story! :D I never knew the alligator story! :D

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Debbie Ericson

1978, Galesburg, IL, USA

I met Ellen when she was 18 years old & I was 20 years old! We both had in common 3 children, which also our daughters are both named Rachel! She was such a very loving & caring mom & grandma! Her smile would radiate when ever she talked to me about her children & grandchildren, was such a proud mom & grandma to them! I will cherish her memories as my close friend in my heart! My thoughts are with Rachel, Ryan & Aaron & 3 grandchildren as well as Kent& Beth as they share their sorrow with Ellen's death! Sincerely Debbie E.

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3

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Rachel Lee

Beth Magee

Rachel Lee

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Kimberly Magee-Barton

Rachel Lee

Wrigley Field, West Addison Street, Chicago, IL, USA

baseball game with family — with Lynn, Yi, Ellen K Thomas, Ryan, Marjorie and Rachel Lee

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Kimberly Magee-Barton

Rachel Lee

Kinkaid Lake Spillway, North Spillway Road, Gorham, IL, USA

a summer day in Southern Illinois

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1

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Beth Magee

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Kimberly Magee-Barton

Libby Mueth

2012

1920s mystery party

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3

1

Beth Magee

Rachel Lee

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Comments:

Libby Mueth

One of the visits to Carbondale. This was a really fun event! And one of the things that keeps it in my... Read more One of the visits to Carbondale. This was a really fun event! And one of the things that keeps it in my memory was how she jumped... Read more One of the visits to Carbondale. This was a really... Read more

Aaron Thomas

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2

Rachel Lee

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Rachel Lee

2010, Carbondale, IL, USA

My mom, Ellen, would visit me in Carbondale multiple times a year. Over time my friends became her friends, as they got to know & love her. So for her 50th birthday, my husband and I had her visit, & we threw her a surprise birthday party with a bunch of friends who were really pleased to be part of a special celebration for her. She was loved by people everywhere she went.

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Aaron Thomas

Beth Magee

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Laura Lester

To Beth,Kent and Ellen’s beautiful kids may you know that Ellen was and always will be a very very loved person by many people not anyone can say that about a person. She had the most beautiful smile especially if she would talk about her kids and grandbabies you all made her soo proud. I was so very blessed to know her and grow up around her she will be a very missed person. She is definitely with our great creator the Lord Jesus Until we all see her again may she RIP Hope to see you on the other side Ellen!

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4

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Rachel Lee

Aaron Thomas

Beth Magee

Laura Lester

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1

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Laurie Albert Cooper

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3

1

Rachel Lee

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Beth Magee

Comments:

Laurie Albert Cooper

I’m so very sad for the loss of my dear friend, Ellen. She will be very missed. Much love and sympathy to... Read more I’m so very sad for the loss of my dear friend, Ellen. She will be very missed. Much love and sympathy to her beautiful family... Read more I’m so very sad for the loss of my dear friend, Ellen.... Read more

Clarence Roberts

So sorry to hear of Ellen's passing she was a wonderful girl a great cousin.

Remember a fun time on a boat trip down the Illinois river to St. Louis.

Our sympathy for the family.

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3

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Rachel Lee

Beth Magee

Mayowa Olaoye

My condolences to Ellen's family. I first met Ellen when she visited her daughter, Rachel in Carbondale and we would often see in small group fellowships and church gatherings whenever she was in town. I'm still in shock and pray that our good Lord Jesus Christ will comfort the family she left behind. Ellen was such a sweet soul, kind, open minded and cheerful. She's got this great energy around her. Thank you for being an awesome person!

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4

Rachel Lee

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Beth Magee

Mayowa Olaoye

2017, Vine Church, South Wall Street, Carbondale, IL, USA

At a church event with Ellen — with Mayowa Olaoye

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Rachel Lee

Kimberly Magee-Barton

Beth Magee

Aaron Thomas

Rachel Lee

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1

Uncle Bud & Aunt Rosalie Westerfield

Anne Miller

Beth Magee

Laura Lester

Aaron Thomas

Comments:

Rachel Lee

Wearing the jacket Rachel added the Mary Poppin's patch to. Wearing the jacket Rachel added the Mary Poppin's patch to. Wearing the jacket Rachel added the Mary Poppin's patch... Read more

Rachel Lee

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Anne Miller

Beth Magee

Laura Lester

Aaron Thomas

Comments:

Rachel Lee

at Ellen's son Aaron's graduation from the Optometry program at Nova. at Ellen's son Aaron's graduation from the Optometry program at Nova. at Ellen's son Aaron's graduation from the Optometry... Read more

Rachel Lee

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2

Anne Miller

Beth Magee

Laura Lester

Comments:

Rachel Lee

like mother, like daughter! like mother, like daughter! like mother, like daughter!

Clarence Roberts

Love them both!! Love them both!! Love them both!!

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Please consider a gift to Galesburg Public Library Foundation.

$1,050.00

Raised by 14 people

Learn more & give

See all contributions

See all contributions

Share your sympathy. Send flowers from a local florist to Ellen's family or funeral.

Browse sympathy flowers

Created with love by Rachel Lee (Ellen's daughter), Kimberly Magee-Barton and Ryan Thomas (Ellen's son).

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