ROCHELLE — Alice Jeanette (McCaffrey) Ellis, 87, of Rochelle, passed away Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017 at her daughter’s home in Creston.

Alice was born on May 31, 1930 in Amboy, the daughter of Frank and Florence I. (Maier) McCaffrey. She married Ronald L. Ellis on June 7, 1952 in Amboy. Ron preceded her in death on Aug. 4, 2008.

Alice was one of 14 children born into a farming family in rural Amboy. She was the respected and loved matriarch of a large clan of admirers. Her gentle kindness and loving care enriched the lives of everyone who came into contact with her. Alice graduated from Amboy High School and attended Mt. St. Clare College. She held numerous jobs throughout her career, starting with the FBI in Washington D.C. She then worked for Medical Supply Company in Rockford before moving on to treasurer for Caron Credit Union and then collection supervisor at Caron International. She ended her career working as finance secretary for St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rochelle.

Alice is survived by her children, Jan (Ron) Heal, of Creston, Ron (Deanna) Ellis Jr., of Cottage Grove, Minn., Mike (Neliza) Ellis, of Davis Junction, Susan (Merle) Metzger, of Rochelle, Tom (Karen) Ellis, of Steward, Tim (Cindy) Ellis, of Arlington, Texas, and Diane (Mike) York, of DeKalb; grandchildren, Adam (Jen) Heal, Scott (Margaret) Metzger, Bridget Metzger, Tricia (Charlie) Elite, Shanna Metzger, Monica York, Aaron York, and Alicia, Melissa, Patrick and Katie Ellis, Audrey (Alex) Ricarte, and Anna, Daniel, Cory, Colin, Tracy, and Jessie Ellis; sisters, Bette Johnson, of Rockford, Kathleen Gray, of Tacoma, Wash., Janet (Jose) McCaffrey Veliz, of Tacoma, Wash., Sharon Blunt, of Joliet, and Cheryl (Don) Balsam, of Roscoe; brothers, Patrick (Helen) McCaffrey, of Amboy, Gene (Mary) McCaffrey, of Dixon, and Jim McCaffrey, of Amboy; and she had 48 nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, Alice is preceded in death by sisters, Marilyn Jones, Patricia McCaffrey, Florine McCaffrey, and Colleen McCaffrey; and a brother, Roger McCaffrey.

Visitation will be from 4 - 8 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2018 at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., in Rochelle.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 236 Kelley Drive, in Rochelle with Father Ruben Herrera officiating. Interment will follow in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Rochelle. Memorials may be directed to St. Patrick Catholic Church. Please visit www.UngerHorner.com to sign the online guest book.