Aurel Eileen Ellis , 88, Chenoa, died at 6:40 pm, Sunday, April 26, 2020 at Good Samaritan Home, Pontiac.

Private family services will be held with burial in the Chenoa Township Cemetery, Chenoa.  Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is assisting the family with arrangements.   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donor's choice.

Aurel was born February 2, 1932 in Weston, the daughter of Jay E. and Goldie Eileen (Busing) Downes. She married Robert Armstrong Ellis on September 24, 1950 in Chenoa. Her husband, Robert preceded her in death on December 3, 1995.  Her parents, one sister, Alice Taylor, one brother, Jay E. Downes Jr., step grandson, Cody Huddleston and daughter in law, Florence Annette (Burt) Ellis also preceded her in death.

Survivors include two sons, Jim (Claire) Ellis of East Peoria; William (Beth) Ellis of Chenoa; three grandchildren, Robert Ellis of Chenoa; David (Kayla Romig) Ellis of Pontiac; Tony Ellis of Cullom; one step granddaughter, Dacia (Jose) Perez of Pontiac; one great granddaughter, Cordelia Mazikeen Anette Ellis of Pontiac; one step great grandson, Ethan Perez; one step great granddaughter, Kendall Perez both of Pontiac; two sisters, Doris (Eugene) Jankowski of Silverdale, WA;  Patty Mohr of Lexington; and one sister in-law, Doris Ann Downes of Chenoa.

Aurel lived a very busy life. She graduated from Chenoa High School.  Bob & Aurel bought and remodeled their first and only house in Chenoa.  Remodeling it to make it their home and accommodate a beauty shop so she could raise her family while working from home.  After the boy's got older she worked outside the home at Louis Allis Corporation, and Motorola Corporation both of Pontiac. She also enjoyed being a crew leader for Cargill Seeds, Pontiac, teaching young adults how to de-tassel corn.

Mrs. Ellis was a member of the Chenoa VFW & American Legion Ladies Auxiliaries and the Chenoa Fire Wives.  She was a Cub Scout Den leader for many years and was a member of the Chenoa United Methodist Church.

In her spare time Aurel enjoyed camping, gardening, knitting, crocheting, jigsaw puzzles and playing cards.  She also enjoyed numerous bus trips with friends, as well as making new friends.