Ruby “Ellen” Slayton, 75, of Thompsonville passed away at Good Samaritan Hospital in Mount Vernon, Illinois on the evening of Sunday, June 14th, 2026 with her family by her side. Ellen was born to Sarah (Cooper) Williams and Martin “Luther” Williams on June 25th, 1950 at their home. Ellen graduated from Benton Consolidated High School in the spring of 1968.

She loved spending time with her family and was best known as “Nana” to her many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved a big cup of coffee any time of day and a good game of Wednesday night Rummy. She enjoyed spending her time doing anything from watching crime and reality shows to travelling and spending time outdoors with her family. She loved old country music and dressing in her own eccentric sense of style. Her smile and laugh were contagious and could brighten even the darkest days.

Ellen is survived by her 2 daughters Cindy (Wayman) Winters of Harrisburg, Billie (Danny “Boone” Mitchell) Johnson of Thompsonville, and son Mike Sparks of Eldorado; brother Jim (Rene) Williams of Benton and sister Sherry (Rodney) Vercellino of Benton; grandchildren Brett (Hollie) Winters, Scarlett (Bryant) Bennett, Travis Winters, Ryan Sparks, Chaela Sparks, Caitlyn (Jonathan Cook) Soulliere, Chase Soulliere, Clarence (Olivia) Farmer, Alyssa (Ree Westley) Henderson, Dakota (Tia Davis) Stoops, Chris (Emily Sturgill) Stoops, Landyn Johnson, and Jaxson Mitchell along with 21 great grandchildren that she loved to spend time with and adored watching them all grow. She is also survived by her life-long friends, Becky and Ken.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Sarah and Luther Williams; 2 brothers, George Williams and Frank Williams, and great grandson, Beckett Sparks.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday June 16, 2026, at the Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City.