Mary E. Green

Mary E. Green, 81, of Palestine, IL, died at 4:07 a.m. (EST) on Monday, August 14, 2017 at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN. She was born April 11, 1936 in Fisher, IL, the daughter of William E. & Eunice E. (Claxton) Heckler, both of whom preceded her in death. She married the love of her life, Howard Green on September 27, 1974 and he preceded her in death just two weeks ago on July 30, 2017. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, John Heckler, YuVaughn Montoney, Ralph Heckler, Donald Heckler, Gennell Miller, Gerald Heckler, Boyd Heckler, and Glenn Heckler. She is survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Pam & Jim Hill (Bridgeport, IL), Lynn & Ray Brower (Evansville, IN), and Sandy & Jim Ellis (Palestine, IL); by her step-sons & daughters-in-law, Harold & Angie Green (Mt. Vernon, IN) and Kermit & Rhonda Green (Palestine, IL); by ten grandchildren, Chad Hill, Josh Hill, Sarah Esselburn, Angela Cooley, Jeremy Ellis, Megan Ellis, Mark Green, Jason Green, Carson Green, and Cameron Green; twelve great-grandchildren, Paige Hill, Makenna Hill, Colton Hill, Gabe Hill, Graham Esselburn, Bennett Esselburn, Elliott Esselburn, Cohen Cooley, Rosie Cooley, Lucy Ellis, Sarah Green, and Iain Green; by her siblings, Lavada & Jim Smith, Robert & Pat Heckler, Lois & King Sutton, and Jeanette Oliver; by her sister-in-law, Pam Heckler; by several nieces and nephews; as well as Howard & Mary’s many caregivers, who dedicated countless hours to their wellbeing over the last few months. The family cannot thank you enough for your kindness and your help. Mary was a 1954 graduate of Bridgeport Township High School. She went on to work for a number of businesses and schools, most notably for Bridgeport Township High School, Red Hill CUSD #10, and finally Vincennes Orthopedic Associates, where she worked for 24 years before retiring in 2002. Away from work, she stayed active at the First Presbyterian Church in Palestine, where she was a member for nearly 40 years. Here, she served as an elder and was also in charge of mailing out the monthly newsletter. Mary had a heart to teach, and dedicated time at the Robinson Public Library, helping with their Literacy Program. Family and friends will remember her as a meticulous and proper lady who showed complete dedication in every facet of her life. She loved her family to a fault, and few things brought her more joy than spending time with her beloved grandchildren. Mary could never and will never be forgotten. A time of visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 17th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine. Funeral services will follow and will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home with burial following in the Waggoner Cemetery, rural Chauncey, IL. Pastor Karen Russell will officiate the services. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church’s Summer Reading Program, with checks made payable to the “Palestine First Presbyterian Church”. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.