Mary Ellen Ikemire, age 91, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Wednesday morning, March 19, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. 

      She was born December 4, 1933, in Flora, the daughter of Lee and Pansy (Cooper) Kittle.  She was united in marriage to Bill D. Ikemire on December 7, 1950, in Cisne and together they have shared 74 wedding anniversaries.

      Mary Ellen was a loving and devoted mother who took great pride in maintaining a warm and tidy home.  She enjoyed reading, especially Amish stories, and treasured her trips to Florida with Bill.

      She is survived by her husband: Bill Ikemire of Louisville; children: Bill (Becky) Ikemire of Clay City, Diane (Jerry) Frye of Louisville, Myrna (Joe) Etchison of Flora, and Greg (Debbie) Ikemire of Effingham; 10 grandchildren: Scott (Elizabeth), Melissa, Mike (Angie), Derek (Sydney), Brock (Tiffany), Mackenzie, Bryce, Carson, Kendall, and Will (Kenzie); 10 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; 2 sisters-in-law: Mary Katherine Kittle of Flora and Kathryn Kittle of Flora; and a cousin that was more like a sister: Mildred Cox. 

      She was preceded in death by 2 daughters: Nancy Butler and Pam Casolari; 2 grandchildren: Meagan Casolari and unborn Baby Butler; parents; a sister: Geneva Block; and 3 brothers: Lawrence Kittle, Don “Red” Kittle, and Everette Kittle.

      A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Pastor Mark Smith officiating.  Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville.  A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Rather than purchasing flowers or other gift items, the family suggests the most meaningful way to honor Mary Ellen’s memory is through a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and these will be accepted through the funeral home.  To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com