Loving wife and mother Mary Ellen Hoffman, 66, of Fairhope, Ala., passed away Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009.

Mary Ellen was born and raised in Illmo, now part of Scott City, and lived most of her adult life in Columbus, Ohio.

Mary Ellen devoted her life to teaching and to her family.

She served in the Air Force four years and taught middle school in Whitehall, Ohio, 31 years. She was voted Teacher of the Year and served as an officer in her union. Mary Ellen continued her compassionate and caring ways after she retired to Alabama by being active in her church and in her community.

She is survived by her husband, Rodney; a son and daughter-in-law, Elliott and Andrea Hoffman of Cleveland; a brother, Glenn "Bud" Elliott Jr. of Swansea, Ill.; and two nieces, April Elliott of Albuquerque, N.M., and Billie Jean Elliott of Swansea.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Martha Jean Olliver Elliott Sr. of Illmo.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Illmo United Methodist Church, 800 4th St. East, Scott City, Mo., 63780.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Illmo United Methodist Church in care of Amick-Burnett Funeral Chapel, 115 Hickory St. East, Scott City.