STERLING – Elmarene “Ellie” Thompson, 92, of Sterling, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m., on Friday, Nov. 24, 2017, at Preston-Schilling Funeral Home, Dixon, followed by an 11 a.m. funeral service at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Schweppe, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Dixon, officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Dixon.

Ellie was born April 6, 1925, in Summerville, Ky., the daughter of George W. and Alice (Elmore) Ratliff. She married Richard J. Thompson on Dec. 26, 1945, in Princeton. He preceded her in death on August 19, 1984.

She is survived by one son, David R. “Tiger” Thompson of Sterling; one daughter, Susan (Delbert) Kessel of Amboy; four granddaughters, Johnna Thompson and Jennifer Thompson, both of Dixon, Deanna (Darrin) Barlow and Chris (David) Schaver, both of Amboy; seven great grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Breann Moyer, Drake and Dorian Barlow, Alyx, Luke and Jake Schaver; three great-great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Julianna and Aubrey Moyer; and two sisters, Wauneta Lang of Galva and Shirley Bornsheuer of Princeton.

She was also preceded in death by; longtime friend Lester Blaine; four brothers, Harold, George, Bob, and Ronald Ratliff; and one sister, Lula (Frank) Day.

Ellie and Dick farmed in the Amboy area for almost 50 years. She lived in Dixon and Sterling since her husband’s passing. Ellie enjoyed many years of bowling with friends, country music, some traveling, but most of all she loved being with her family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Condolences may be sent to www.prestonschilling.com.