Ellen M. Thomas

Ellen M. Thomas, age 84, of Greenville, Illinois, passed away in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, Illinois, on Friday, February 14, 2025. She was born April 13, 1940, the daughter of Herbert Leroy and Iva Desylvia (Campbell) Linamen.

She married Bob Phillips and that union brough forth two daughters, Shirley Lynn and Sandra Dee. They divorced, and he preceded her in death. Later, she married William Maxwell Thomas, at the Woburn Baptist Church, on September 1, 1991. He preceded her in death, on January 26, 2010.

Ellen was a homemaker most of her married life, then later, she was supervisor of laundry, at the now, Greenville Nursing & Rehab.  She was considered a homebody and devoted to her family, especially her grandchildren, who put the light in her eyes. She loved to cook and bake and took it very seriously. As a child, Ellen played the piano by ear. When her father realized she had such a given ability, he had her take lessons.  In her childhood church, she played for worship services most Sundays. She was also the church pianist for the Columbus Baptist Church, of which she is a member. Ellen tried to see the good in everyone and believed everyone should get a second chance.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sandra (Sandy) Phillips, in infancy, in 1964, her husband, William, in 2010; a sister Nadine Fieldhouse; and two brothers, Howard and Jack Linamen.

She is survived by her daughter, Shirley (Russ) Damm of Greenville, Illinois; sons, Paul (Emily) Thomas of Greenville, Illinois, Jeff (Jennifer) Thomas of Au Gres Michigan, Gary (Pam) Thomas of Hurst, Texas; brothers, Boyd (Ginger) Linamen of Auburndale, Florida, Paul (Marilyn) Linamen of Lake Alfred, Florida, Herb (Lois) Linamen of Auburndale, Florida; grandchildren, Lori (Jake Hopkins), Drake Thomas, Brant Thomas, Josh Thomas, Seth Thomas, Leah Thomas, Rio Thomas; great grandchildren, Abigail, Quentin, Aubrey, Jaxson, Mabel, Landon; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation:  Friday, February 21, 2025, from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm., at Assalley Funeral Home, 118 E. College Ave., Greenville, IL 62246.

Funeral: 1:00 p.m., following the funeral, with Rev. Glenn Kreider officiating.

Burial: at Hug Cemetery, following the funeral.

The family suggests that memorials may be gifted at the visitation and funeral or mailed to the Greenville Nursing & Rehab – Activities Department, 400 E. Hillview Ave, Greenville, IL 62246, in lieu of flowers, plants and other gifts.

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.