Obituaries
Obituary: Madeline Ellis
Madeline, the beloved matriarch of her family, was a force of nature, warm, witty, and wonderfully direct.
Obituary published and funeral arrangements entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Madeline J. Ellis
Age 86, of Morris and formerly Joliet, Illinois, passed from this life Saturday morning, June 28, 2025. She was born August 25, 1938, to the late Martha and John Dowling in Joliet where she was raised and educated.
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Madeline, the beloved matriarch of her family, was a force of nature, warm, witty, and wonderfully direct. She didn’t mince words and didn’t need to. Her honesty was part of her charm, and her humor had a way of landing just right, quick, clever, and unforgettable.
She cultivated a home rooted in love, care, and constant motion. She was always cleaning something, never one to sit still while there were dishes in the sink or stories to tell. She rocked babies with a rhythm only grandmothers know, sang lullabies from memory, and spun tales that soothed the restless.
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Her laugh, full-bodied and infectious still echoes in the hearts of those lucky enough to hear it. Spry and sharp, Madeline lit up every room she walked into. She brought joy simply by being herself.
She was deeply adored by her grandchildren, lovingly devoted to her husband, Homer and cherished by her son Michael and his wife Jessica. Her presence was a gift — steady, vibrant, and always felt. Her absence leaves a space no one can fill, but her spirit lives on in the stories, the laughter, and the love she so freely gave.
In addition to her husband, son and daughter-in-law, she is also survived by grandchildren, Cpl David (Destinie) Bumgarner, USMC; Cody, Chase and Lila Bumgarner, step-children, Terry and Tom Ellis, Elizabeth (Adam) Bols; step-grandchildren, Rebecca (Andrew) King, Meghan, Justin and Nathan Ellis; Seth, Caleb and Lydia Bols and two step great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Dorothy Sencenko and brother-in-law, Jack Dewalt as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Preceded in death by her first husband, Don Bumgarner, her parents; sisters, Martha (late Bob) Vranesic and Helen DeWalt; brother-in-law, Borris Sencenko.
As it was Madeline’s wish, cremation rites have been accorded and services will be held privately.
For more information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
