Richard L. Ellis

WASHINGTON?Richard L. Ellis, 82, of Washington, passed away at 7:25 a.m., Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at Methodist Medical Center in Peoria. Dick was born on October 22, 1929 in East Peoria to Joseph A. and Irene Kripp Ellis. He married Phyllis J. Freerking on July 31, 1950 in Washington. Phyllis survives. Also surviving is one son, Michael J. (Loriann) Ellis of West Peoria; two daughters, Catherine E. (Rick) Dee of Four Seasons, Missouri and Lisa M. (Tony) Edwards of San Diego, California; one daughter-in-law, Terre Ellis of Santa Rosa, California; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, James Ellis. Dick retired in 1986 from Caterpillar where he had worked for 36 years and at retirement was general office supervisor in East Peoria. Prior to working for Caterpillar Dick served our country in the U.S. Air Force and earned the rank of Corporal. After retirement Dick enjoyed his spare time with fishing, traveling, woodworking and gardening. He was also remembered for always being a faithful Cubs fan for decades. A private memorial service for Dick will be held at Mason-White Funeral Home and burial of cremains will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens, south of Washington. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences to the family can be made at masonfuneralhomes.com