Ione M. Elliott

Ione Marie Elliott, 83, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 1:51 p.m. Monday, October 6, 2025, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield, IL.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL, with Rev. Linda Trent officiating. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, October 10th in the funeral home. Burial will be in Jordan Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church or Saving Orphaned Animals.

Ione was born on December 23, 1941, in Lincoln, IL, the daughter of Benjamin and Eleanor Irish. Ione was a lifelong learner, graduating from Lincoln Community High School, earning her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Illinois State University, her master’s degree from Millikin University and her special education certification from Eastern Illinois University. She married Richard Gene Elliott on April 26, 1969, in Lincoln, IL. Ione began her teaching career at the Decatur Public School District, before teaching at Cowden-Herrick and Shelbyville Schools. Ione was a member of the Shelby County Retired Teachers Association and Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, where she was involved with the United Methodist Women. Ione will also be remembered for her love of animals.

Ione is survived by her sons, Larry Elliott of Ballwin, MO, and Chris Elliott of Shelbyville, IL; two granddaughters, Blair & Bryleigh Elliott of Shelbyville, IL; brother-in-law, Dennis Hectus of Williamsport, IN; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard on August 30, 2017; and her sister, Nancy Irish Hectus.