Mary Ellen Wells, 85, of rural Olney, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, February 14, 2010, at her home.  Burial in Parkersburg, Illinois, at the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Mary Wells was born December 28, 1924, in Olney, Illinois, the daughter of Clyde and Ruth Blackford. After graduating from Olney Township High School, she worked as an operator for the telephone company and a bookkeeper for Olney Shoe Factory. On October 21, 1944, she married Charles S. (Sam) Wells. Mary and Sam were blessed with two sons, Fred and Steve. Mary dedicated her life to the care of her family as a loving homemaker, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She also enjoyed gardening, family gatherings, and serving others. In later years, she enjoyed traveling with her husband Sam and visiting every state in the continental United States. She was a member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Olney where she served as deaconess.

Mary is survived by her husband, Sam Wells; son, Fred (Reva) Wells, of Olney, son, Steve Wells (Kim Kerrigan) of Lancaster, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Thad Wells, of Mahomet, Ill., (Emily Negrau) of Champaign, Ill., and Emilie (Brian) Chase, of Bloomington, Ill.; great-grandson, Cobi Chase, of Bloomington, Ill.; brothers, Jim (Betty) Blackford, Roy (Glenora) Blackford, Wayne (Deloris) Blackford, Don (Jean) Blackford, Larry (Pat) Blackford, all of Olney; special family friend and caregiver, Linda Hanes, of Dundas, Ill.; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde and Ruth Blackford; sister, Alberta Mowrer; and infant brother, Kenneth Blackford.