Ellen Kay (Westerfield) Thomas (62) of Galesburg, Illinois passed away surrounded by loved ones on June 11th, 2023. She was survived by 3 loving and beloved children, Rachel (Yi) Lee, Ryan (Lynn Merrill) Thomas, and Aaron (Jingyi Zhu) Thomas, three grandchildren, Theo, Soren, and Morgan, sister Beth Ann (Eddie) Magee, brother Kent Westerfield, and her long time boyfriend Kevin Voyles, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Ellen was proceeded in death by her parents, Alan Neil Westerfield and Marjorie Lou (Courson) Howard.

Ellen was born in Galesburg, the oldest of 3 children. She graduated from Galesburg High School in 1978 and married Michael Eugene Thomas Jr. Ellen went on to finish an associate’s degree from Carl Sandburg College and graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Education (with a focus on early childhood education) from Monmouth College.

Highlights of Ellen’s career included working with children as a reading teacher, tutor, early childhood educator, and caregiver. She also always had entertaining stories to tell from her years working on the Spirit of Peoria boat as a crew member and gift shop manager.

She was very active in the community, from acting as assistant den mother for Boy Scouts to volunteering at Heartland Literacy, the public library, local elementary schools, etc. As a music lover, Ellen was a regular volunteer at the annual World Championship Piano Playing Contest, and for Marty Sammon’s Blues Flings.

Visiting with family, travelling to beachy places, crafting, chilling to 1970s music, relaxing in her yard, reading, enjoying the great outdoors, and playing with her grandchildren and great nieces/nephews were some of her favorite activities.

A celebration of life will be held at Lake Storey shelter #4 in Galesburg on Saturday, July 8th at 10am. Lunch and a continuation of celebrating Ellen will be from 12-3pm at Cherry Street Brewing Co. 

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/ellen-kay-thomas/obituary/

Copy