Obituary for Monte J Ellis
Monte J Ellis, 69, of Banner, IL passed away at 9:24 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at his residence. He was born July 23, 1939 in Banner, IL to the late John and Zelma Ellis and raised in Banner and Monterey, IL. He attended Canton High School, graduating in1957. Monte married Sharyl D. Strode on June 3, 1961 in Canton, IL. Monte was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sharyl, beloved daughter Kathy, parents John and Zelma and brother Jared. Monte is survived by his son Eric (Cathy) Ellis, of Peoria, and their four daughters Caitlin, Ashleigh, Vanessa and Claire. Monte is also survived by his grandson, Kristopher of Ashland, IL; brothers Lonnie (Mona) of Aledo, TX, Larry (Edna) of Summerton, SC, M. Fred (Kathy) of Pawnee, IL and Jon (Lori) of Rochester, IL. Monte was an accomplished, self-employed wildlife artist. He excelled in almost all artistic mediums and in the past had been profiled in the Peoria Journal Star. The Lakeview Museum also owns two of his paintings and maintains them in its permanent collection. Monte was a self-taught musician and able to play the banjo, guitar, violin, drums, piano and harmonica. His music of choice to play was bluegrass music. Monte was a stubborn, complex person with a biting sense of humor and sardonic wit. He enjoyed good conversation and the presence of interesting people. He was a true environmentalist and an enthusiast for the natural world. He would ask people not to weep for him, but to enjoy life and his memory, as well as the memory of his wife and daughter. It was his request to be cremated, with no visitation or funeral. Memorials are not requested, but if one so desires, memorials may be made in his name to The Nature Conservancy. The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements.
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