Mary Ellen Tonelli, 84, of Henry passed away on Monday (January 2, 2012) at her home. She was born November 7, 1927, in Henry, to Carl and Mabel (Ransom) Rose. She married Gordon E. Rickey on April 19, 1947, in Henry. He preceded her in death on December 18, 1974. She later married Aldo T. Tonelli on February 10, 1980, in Henry. He preceded her in death on January 16, 1992.
She is survived by long-time companion Benjamin D. Barnett. Also surviving are one daughter, Janet (Greg) Morse of Putnam; four grandchildren, Kristin (Bill) Swanson of Homer Glen, Mary (Brook) Stanbary of Putnam, Margret Morse of Putnam, and Matthew Morse, of Asheville, NC; great-grandchildren, Alex Oliveri, Michael and Elli Swanson, Madison and Mackenzie Stanbary; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Helen Phipps, Jean Lewis, and Betty Foster.
She attended Henry High School where she was salutatorian of her class. She last worked as a medical transcriptionist for Dr. Fred White in Chillicothe. She was a member of First Christian Church in Henry where she was Sunday School secretary for many years. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout leader. She enjoyed playing bridge, fishing, and traveling.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday at the , the Rev. Pat Jones will officiate. Visitation for Mary will be from 4 until 7 p.m. on Tuesday at Calvert & Johnson Memorial Home, Downtown Chapel, Henry.
Burial will follow in the Henry Cemetery. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice.