Ella Mae Main, 83, of Metropolis, Illinois passed away Saturday, March 30, 2007.  Services in First United Methodist Church in Metropolis, with Pastor Gary Motta officiating. Burial in Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

Ella Mae was born July 25, 1923, in Metropolis to George Henry and Ethel Ann (Hedden) Wemhoener.  On Feb. 14, 1953, she married Warren J. Main, and he survives.

She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1945, and was a member of Chi Omega sorority.

She taught home economics in Olney, and was the state sponsor for the Future Homemakers of America.

In October 1948, she married Robert "Bert" Vail, and he preceded her in death while serving his country as a dentist during the Korean War.  She returned to Metropolis with two small daughters. After marrying Mr. Main, they had a son. She became a homemaker and devoted her time to her family, church and community.

Ella Mae had a gift for comforting and listening to others. This special interest in people lead her to volunteer with many clubs and organizations. Her family fondly called her Elle Mae "Go" Main.

Education was always important to Mrs. Main. She was Clark School PTA President when a referendum was passed to build a new school. She was county chairman of the White House Conference for Youth, county chairman of the University of Illinois Mother's Association, County Educational Survey Committee member, High School Vocational Advisory Committee member, president of Metropolis City School Board and the first woman school board member in Massac County. In 2000, she read to first grade students in an after school program, Reaching for Kids and Youth of Massac County, and was truly blessed by the experience.

The First United Methodist Church has been the center of her life. She has been a Sunday school teacher to high school and college age youth, MYF sponsor, Bible School director and teacher, chairman of the Mission Council, Bazaar co-chairman, United Methodist Women member, Thursday AM Prayer Group member, chairman of Bereaved Family Dinners, Methodist Cooks, chairman of the Administrative Board and director of the Tapes/Flowers Ministry for "home bound" church members. She was a member of the Volunteers Sunday School Class.

She received the Illinois State Mother of the Year Award for 1982.  She was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her husband, Warren J. Main; one daughter, Ann (Vail); one son, Robert J. Main; seven grandchildren; one brother, Jack Wemhoener of Dallas, Texas; one sister-in-law, Catherine Main of Reno, Nev.; one brother-in-law, Bill Vail of Olney; and many nieces and nephews residing throughout the United States.

She was preceded in death by her parents; first husband; one dearly loved daughter, Jane (Vail) Neilsson; and one brother, Jim Wemhoener.

Published in Southern Illinoisan (Carbondale, IL) - Saturday, March 31, 2007