Ella C Killian

  Ella C. Killian, 88, of Streator, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at her home, surrounded by her children.

  Ella grew up as one of five daughters and her sisters remained close friends throughout her life. They were proud Slovaks and loved making Slovak dishes, particularly around the holidays. A highlight of her life was when she and two sisters traveled to Slovakia, visiting with distant relatives, soaking up the culture, and learning about their heritage.

  Ella’s biggest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren who were her heart’s delight. She was an incredible mother to her six children, creating a lifetime of traditions and providing them with an abundance of memories from Ozark family vacations, holidays, and milestones along the way.    

  She enjoyed a long, loving, happy marriage (66 years) to her husband and life-long companion and best friend Dick. Together they created a home her family loved to return to and hated to leave. In their golden years, the couple spent their winters on South Padre Island, walking the beach and entertaining family who came for visits.

  Ella was an avid gardener, cook, reader, and puzzle enthusiast. She loved sports and cheered on the Chicago Cubs faithfully. But her most favorite teams and sporting events involved her children and then grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic and boisterous fan.

  She was a member of the St. Stephen’s Parents Club while her children were in grade school. She also was active in the Altar and Rosary Society and a faithful baker in the church’s bakers’ group who convened in the school kitchen to bake rozeks on Saturdays. Additionally, she was a member and past president of the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association.

  She was a faith-filled person who attended daily Mass and rosary, while she was still able. In her final days, she and her family found much comfort in prayer.Ella will be laid to rest in a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 A.M. Saturday, February 11, at St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.  Msgr. Philip Halfacre will officiate.

  Visitation will be from 4-7 P.M. Friday, February 10, at the Solon-Telford Funeral Home, Streator.  The rosary will be recited at 6:45 P.M.

  Burial will be in St. Stephen’s Cemetery, Streator.  Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Brendan, Kevin and Sean Killian; Leo Heinz; Lincoln and Guy Johnson.

Born August 31, 1934 in Streator, she was the daughter of Peter and Susan (Gallick) Majernik.  She married Richard T. “Dick” Killian on November 24, 1956 at St Stephens Church in Streator.

  Ella is survived by her husband, Dick of Streator; daughters, Jane Killian of St. Louis, Missouri, Peggy (Andrew) Heinz of St. Louis, Missouri, Mary (Jeff) Johnson of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; sons, Richard (Cindy) Killian of Streator, Patrick (Jackie) Killian of Wheaton; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Corrigan of Streator and Marjorie Killian of Streator; grandchildren, Leo Heinz of Chicago, Zoe Heinz of St. Louis; Daisy, Lincoln, Guy and Dashiell Johnson of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin; Kaitlyn, Riley, Kendal and Lily Killian of Streator, Brendan Killian of New Jersey, Kevin Killian of Chicago, Bridget and Sean Killian of Wheaton.

  She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Cathy Killian; sisters, Mary Ann Kaplan, Clara Majernik, Agnes Majernik and Joan Heine.

  Born and raised in Streator she attended St. Stephen’s Grade School and graduated from Streator High School.

  She was a member of the former St. Stephen’s Church and currently belonged to St. Michael the Archangel Church, Streator.

  The Killian family was blessed to have two wonderful women provide loving care for Ella.  Her longtime caregiver Gina Demko supported and doted on her; and Lisa LeBeau RN, with Compassus Hospice, guided her and the family gently through Ella’s transition to eternal rest.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Kidney Foundation or St. Michael the Archangel Church.

  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.solontelford.com

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