MCLEANSBORO – Mary Lou (Rogers) Elliston, 88, of McLeansboro, IL passed away at her home on Friday, August 11, 2023, in McLeansboro.
She was born in Hamilton County, IL on January 4, 1935, the daughter of Ira & Juanita (Kniffen) Rogers. On October 8, 1955 she married Louis Edward Elliston, who survives.
Mary worked as a coordinator for Consolidated Coal in both McLeansboro and Sesser, and also had worked for Inland Steel in McLeansboro. She was a member of the Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church in McLeansboro, and also had served on the kitchen committee and was a former member of the church choir.
She loved reading, quilting, flower gardening, and she loved to laugh. She also enjoyed shopping and collecting ceramic bird figurines. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Everyone agreed that she was the matriarch of the family. Her greatest joy was her family, and she will be greatly missed.
Mary is survived by her husband Louis Edward Elliston of McLeansboro, two daughters Alisa (Dwight) Bishop of McLeansboro and Stacy (John) Swartz of Belle Rive, IL; five grandchildren Joseph Bishop of Rohnert Park, CA; Bryce (Hilary) Elliston of Mt. Vernon, IL; Trevor (Mallory) Elliston of Imperial, MO; Alex Cocke (and significant other Paige Green) of McLeansboro; and Hollie (Brady) Henson of O’ Fallon, MO; one step grandchild Cody (Megan) Swartz of McLeansboro; four great-grandchildren Ayla Lichtenfels, Cohen Elliston, Heath Elliston, and Elijah Henson; and two step great-grandchildren Grayson Swartz and Tate Swartz. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
She was preceded in death by both parents Ira & Juanita Rogers, son Marck E. Elliston, and three brothers Richard Rogers, Charles Rogers, and Herman “Sam” Rogers.
Funeral services for Mary Lou (Rogers) Elliston will be held at noon on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church in McLeansboro, IL with Pastor Jacob Gray officiating.
Visitation will be held Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon at the church.
Interment will follow the funeral service at Ten Mile Cemetery in McLeansboro.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.