Mary Ellen Vanwinkle

Mary Ellen (Vernia) VanWinkle, 80, of Robinson, IL, died at 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2016 at Ridgeview Care Center in Oblong, IL. She was born June 25, 1935 in Robinson, the daughter of William Henry Vernia & Edna Belva Spyker Vernia, both of whom preceded her in death. She married John VanWinkle on September 4, 1953, and he preceded her in death on May 7, 2004. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, George Vernia, Francis Stephens, Dorothy Brush, and Betty Jones; by her brothers-in-law, William VanWinkle and Frank VanWinkle; and recently, by her son, Rodney VanWinkle She is survived by her children & their significant others, Henry VanWinkle & Roberta Faught (Robinson, IL), Kathy & Darrell York (Robinson, IL), Annika & Patrick McConn (Bridgeport, IL), Geoffrey VanWinkle & fiance Amanda Manhart (Oblong, IL); several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law & their spouses, Shirley & William Pippin, Jean & Ed Catt, and Rita VanWinkle; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was a 1953 graduate of Robinson High School, and went on to work for the Robinson Shoe Factory, Crawford Electronics, PN Hirsch (for several years), before retiring from the Robinson IGA. Away from work, she enjoyed spending time outdoors, having camped and fished with John for many years. She also enjoyed reading, playing cards, and working puzzles. Most anyone who knew her remembers her doll and clown collection, and how much love she had and gave to her family. A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 26th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. with services conducted by Rev Tom Akers. Burial will follow in the Tohill Cemetery, rural Flat Rock. Memorials may be made to the St Jude Children’s Hospital or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, with envelopes available at the funeral home.