On August 31, 2013, Ellie Gloria Funk (Forbes) passed away at her home in Vandalia, IL. She was a lifelong resident of Fayette County, IL, growing up on the river bottom of the Kaskaskia River. She was born May 4, 1929. Ellie was many things in her life, including loving daughter, sister, friend, wife, mom, grandma and great grandma, worm rancher and mushroom hunter extraordinaire. Ellie met the love of her life, Don Funk, at the tender age of 14 when she was a waitress. They were lifelong sweethearts and built the home of their dreams on Lake Vandalia. Ellie was a brownie scout leader and worked at the shoe factory. For over 30 years she worked at Crane Packing, often taking the very early morning shifts. She worked hard most all of her life, while also knowing how to relax on the dock where she would fish. She was a big cat lover and provided many neighborhood kids with kittens to play with. Her very favorite thing in life though may have been spoiling her 4 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Ellie is proceeded in death by her parents, Anna and David Forbes; sisters Betty Stombaugh, Lodell Stoneburner, twin sister Nellie, brothers Floyd and Gilford and her husband Don Funk. She is survived by her daughters Kay Holt and Judy O'Mara, grandchildren Kim Braun, Alyssa McCluskey, Kellie Adams, Stephen O'Mara and great grandchildren Parker, Joshua, Preston, Mackenzie, Jameson and Summer. An open house will be held this Saturday from 1-3 at Ellie's home for anyone who would like to share any memories or stories. If interested in making any donations, please make them to the Vandalia Lions Club.