Sonna Lou Ellis

Sonna Lou Ellis, 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, Oct 20, 2023 at Accolade Healthcare of Paxton on Pells following a short illness.

Sonna was born July 17, 1939, in Danville, the only child of the late Raymond “Mose” and Hazel (Miller) Ellis. She was preceded in death by the cousins she grew up with Harry, Sharon and Merrell Shipman and Karol (Shipman) Hearell. Surviving family members include various 2nd and 3rd cousins.

She graduated with honors from Danville High School and shortly afterwards began her career in finance at Nichols Loan Corporation. At retirement, she was the Assistant Manager for Personal Finance.

Sonna's mother and grandmother were active members of Eastern Star and she joined the Danville Chapter in August 1957. She became a dual member of the Iris Chapter in 2015 and eventually a primary member of Iris Chapter through a merger in 2018. She served as Worthy Matron numerous years from 1962-2020. She was commissioned a Grand Lecturer in 1982 instructing several Chapters over the years. She was appointed Grand Representative of Alberta in 1986-1987, Vermont in 2017-2018 and Florida in 2021-present. She took her Emeritus in 2004 and later served as Grand Escort to the Worthy Grand Matron in 2020-2022. She stayed active with the Eastern Star until a few months before her illness and frequently traveled around Central Illinois for various functions. She held the title of Grand Representative of Florida at the time of her passing.

In her later years, Sonna became a cat lover, adopting Libby and then Martini. She showered them with endless love and affection.

Memorial donations may be sent to the Eastern Star Home, Macon, IL.

Eastern Star graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Nov 15, 2023, Oak Hill Cemetery with Pastor Patti Wise officiating.

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