Mary Ellen Shock

Born August 15, 1952 in Christopher to John and Wilma (Peters) Ryan, she married William E. Shock on December 28, 1974 in Belleville. He survives.

Also surviving are three sons, Jay (Shannon) Shock of Pekin, Dr. Ryan (Laura) Shock of Austin, Texas and Travis (Molly) Shock of Pekin; one sister, Phyllis (Arthur) Parrish of Ponte Verde, Florida; five grandchildren, Chaylyn Shock, Kayden Kapraun, Rylan Kapraun, Bennett Shock and Parker Shock and her two grand dogs, Zoe and Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Brenda Ryan and Kathy Bergmann.

Mary Ellen spent the early part of her life in the Village of Swansea, which borders Belleville. She was a 1970 graduate of Belleville West High School. She went on to graduate from Illinois State University in 1974 with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education and later her Master’s in Administration. She was a member Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.

Mary Ellen had a passion for special education and working to keep kids engaged. She retired from Pekin Public Schools District 108, where she was a special education teacher at Edison Junior High School for many years. She previously taught for the Tazewell-Mason Counties Special Education Association and Special Education Association of Peoria County.

She was member of the Pekin Hospital League, Pekin Country Club and First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin, where she and her husband formerly taught Sunday school.

A beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Mary Ellen enjoyed and took pride in her gardens.

Her memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 at First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin. David Taylor will officiate. Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the church. Cremation has been accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to EPIC, 1913 Townline Road, Peoria, IL 61615 or to First United Presbyterian Church, 1717 Highwood Avenue, Pekin, IL 61554.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com