Alice Ellis

Alice Ellis 101, of Rantoul Illinois passed away on August 16, 2025, at 10:09pm in Gifford Illinois.

She was born on September 10, 1923, on the family farm in rural Thomasboro, IL. Alice was the daughter of William “Bert” and Ethel (Babb) Collins.

Alice married William “Bill” Ellis on April 23, 1946, at her parents’ home in rural Rantoul. Willam preceded her in death on May 12, 2008, as well as their daughter Janet Sue Park (Harlin “Sam” Park) on January 15, 2010. Alice had five brothers, Harold, Richard, Robert, William, and Howard Collins also preceding Alice in death.

She is survived by a daughter, Shirley (Dennis) Franzen of Rantoul, four grandchildren, Kevin (Lisa) Franzen of Penfield, Kim (Bruce) Cline of South Carolina, Justin (Megan) Park of Penfield, and Kari (Ryan) Ackerman of Gifford.

Also surviving are fourteen great grandchildren; Kassidi (Kevin) Crist, Keegan Franzen, Mackenzie Franzen, Lauren Somers, Makenna Ackerman, Ashlyn Ackerman, Hadley Ackerman, Johnny Ackerman, Kaitlynn (Jade) Bruns, Faith Cline, Jordan (Hailey) Park, Joshua Park, Gracie Park, Andrew Potts and five great great grandchildren; Sage Park, Ryker Bruns, Avery Bruns, Kai Crist, and Koda Crist.

Alice attended Rantoul Township High School graduating in 1941 and Barry Castle Business College in 1942. She retired in 1988 from the former Chanute AFB with over forty years of civil service. She was a member of the Rantoul First United Methodist Church. She always thought it was important to play card/board games with her grandchildren. She enjoyed watching Illini men’s basketball and the Chicago Cubs.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in her name to First United Methodist Church in Rantoul, Illinois or the donor of choice.

Please join Alice’s family in sharing memories, photos and videos on her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com.

A visitation will be held at First United Methodist Church 200 S. Century Blvd in Rantoul Illinois on Thursday August 21, 2025, from 10am-11am with a service to follow at 11am. Alice will be interred at Grandview Memorial Gardens in Champaign.

Arrangements have been made at Sunset Funeral Home’s Lux Chapel 1551 E. Grove Ave, Rantoul, IL. 61866.