Richard John Ely

November 18, 1937 - March 24, 2018

Richard J. "Dick" Ely age 80 of Amboy died Saturday March 24, 2018 at OSF St Paul Medical Center in Mendota following a sudden illness. He was born Nov. 18, 1937 in Henry, IL the son of Olen and Hilda (Neuhalfen) Ely. He had farmed and worked in agricultural services and fertilizer sales at the Walton Plant for many years prior to his retirement. Dick was an avid gardener and enjoyed his daily drives and spending time at the cabin. He enjoyed spending time with his grand children and attending their activities. He served in the National Guard for 6 years. Dick married Karen McCoy June 15, 1963 at St Mary Catholic Church in Walton. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Gordon Ely and sister Marjorie Leffelman, and brother in law Hubert Leffelman. He is survived by his wife, children Curtis (Angie) Ely of Sublette, Ed (Karey) Ely of Amboy, Dennis (Melinda) Ely of Amboy, David (Sue) Ely of Dixon, James (Leslie) Ely of Dixon and Susan (Dick) Montavon of Oregon, 13 grandchildren, Nicolle, Christopher, Abigael, Mason, Trenton, Madeline, Michael, Morgan, Grace, Lucas and Sophia Ely, and Bailey and Lauren Montavon, one sister Mary Helen Leffelman of Mendota and one brother Ned (Carol) Ely of Amboy; and brother in law Melvin Leffelman of Dixon. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday March 28, 2018 beginning with a 9:45 prayer service in the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy followed by a 10:30 AM Mass of Christian Burial at St Mary Catholic Church in Walton with the Rev. Timothy Draper officiating. Burial will follow in St Patrick Cemetery in Maytown. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the Mihm-Jones Funeral Home in Amboy with a scripture services at 7:30 PM. A memorial has been established to the Amboy Fire Protections District.