Russell E. Ellwood
Russell E. Ellwood, age 93, of Payson, IL, died on Sunday, November 10, 2019 in the Hammond Hall of the Illinois Veterans Home. He was born on April 17, 1926 in Clayton, Il the son of Deoh and Margaret (Higgins) Ellwood. He graduated in 1944 from Clayton High School. He served as a Corporal in the Air Force during WWII. He married Norma Middendorf on May 5, 1951 in St. Francis Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on May 6, 2011.
Russell was a lifelong farmer in the Payson area. In 1962, he along with his wife, also founded Ellwood Fertilizer, a business they operated together for 25 years. In 1987, they sold the business, which is now known as Prairie Land FS in Payson.
Russell enjoyed ‘The Great Outdoors’, fishing, mushroom hunting, blackberry picking and gardening. He was a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church and also the Payson VFW.
The family wishes to thank the Illinois Veteran Home’s Markward 2nd floor and the Lester Hammond 2nd floor caregivers and staff for the compassion and wonderful care given to Russell these last 5 months.
He is survived by:
TWO SONS: Daniel Ellwood and his wife Janice of Quincy and David Ellwood and his wife Barb of Liberty.
TWO GRANDSONS: Michael Ellwood of Quincy and Jake Ellwood and his wife Autumn of Monticello, IA
TWO GREAT-GRANDSONS: Liam and Merrick Ellwood.
Numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives also survive.
In addition to his wife, Russell was also preceded in death by his parents and siblings: Edith Buckley along with her husband Russell; Clara Hunsaker along with her husband Kenny; Dorothy Aden along with her husband Alvin; Robert Ellwood along with his wife Lydia; Albert Ellwood and Walter Ellwood along with his wife Edith.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 10:00 AM in St. Brigid Catholic Church, Liberty, IL. Interment in St. Brigid Cemetery with military rites conducted at the cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday evening from 4:00 until 7:00 PM at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home in Quincy and on Friday morning at St. Brigid Catholic Church from 9:30 AM until the time of the services. Memorials may be made to St. Brigid Cemetery or Illinois Veterans Home Activities Fund.
Russell was a good neighbor. I made Texas sheet cake and shared it with him on occasion. He shared his sweet corn with us. We always looked to see if he was sitting outside when we drove by. He always had a big wave. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Deepest sympathy.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family! Memories will keep him close!
My fondest memories as a child were going out to the farm to see Uncle Russ and his family. We went fishing, rode in the truck-bed, talked about the good-ole days, went mushroom hunting and just enjoyed the beautiful outdoors. Loved Uncle Russell’s laugh! You lived a wonderful full life. Thank you for all the memories.
Love, Angie
Sorry to hear..thought a lot of both Norma and Russ. Just like family..