Mary Ellen McGill

Mary Ellen McGill, 90, of Rock Valley, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at Hegg Health Center in Rock Valley. A brief prayer service where memories will be shared will begin at 6:30pm on Thursday, July 2 at the Parkview Event Center.  A Celebration of Mary Ellen's life will begin thereafter with the Family present until 9:00pm. Masks are encouraged and available at the door, social distancing would be appreciated. Appetizers and drinks will be served. A funeral mass for family & extended family will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Friday, July 3 at 10:30am with burial to follow. Porter Funeral Home of Rock Valley has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. 

    Mary Ellen was born on Sept. 16, 1929 to Ed DeSmet and Mary Roemen in Rock Valley. She graduated from RVHS in 1946 and went on to Rosary College in Chicago and the University of Iowa and graduated in 1950.  On August 24, 1950 she married her childhood friend and only love, Tom McGill.  

    Mary Ellen was a lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and served in many capacities within the church.  She enjoyed cooking, bridge club, numerous roles in community service, “peppy” music and time with their close “couple” friends.  She was a friend and faithful person to many, but her passion and purpose was raising their eight children. She loved them unconditionally and devoted her life to enhance their faith and success.

    Survivors include her children, Frank (Bonnie) McGill, Michele McGill, Mark (Kathy) McGill, Mary Pat (Alan) Miller, Myra (Dale) Steen, Paul (Erin Schroeder) McGill and Maureen (Charles) Hoogeveen and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

   She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tom, daughter Sharon,  her parents,  sister, Donna Bonthuis, sister-in-law, Mary Frances Goin, and many lifetime friends.