Ella Marie (Beechner) Brown

Ella Marie Beechner Brown, 89, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of March 20th, 2026, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, Illinois.

Ella Marie was born on January 12th, 1937, in Cameron, Missouri, to Marvin and Lois “Mildred” McCollough Beechner. She spent much of her childhood in Missouri, moving frequently and attending over ten different elementary schools due to her father's employment as a swine herder and feed dealer. Through these experiences, she learned to make friends easily and developed the warm, engaging personality that would remain with her throughout her life.

In the early 1950s, Ella Marie moved to Farmersville, Illinois, where she graduated from Farmersville High School with the Class of 1954. On January 26th, 1957, Ella Marie married Glenn A. Brown. Together they raised four children: Linda S. (Lynn) Boston of Girard, Illinois; Larry J. Brown of Springville, Tennessee; Stephen P. (Renee) Brown of Morrisonville, Illinois; and Brian L. Brown (Crysta Weitekamp) of Springfield, Illinois. In addition to her children, Ella Marie is survived by her grandchildren: Janelle (Robert) Fanning of Girard, Illinois; Kelly Boston (Matt Bostick) of Farmersville, Illinois; Allison Boston of Girard, Illinois; Matthew (Jessica) Boston of Girard, Illinois; Jarrad (Jackie) Brown of Springfield, Illinois,  Ethan (Katie) Brown of Morrisonville, Illinois; Alyssa (Matthew) Rever of Raeford, North Carolina; and Leyton (Alyssa) Brown of Urbana, Illinois. Great Grandchildren: Olivia and Charlotte Fanning, Kallen Bostick, Easton, Landon and Peyton Boston, Andrew and Tyler Brown, Trenton and Adalyn Rever and Nora Mae Brown.  

Ella Marie served as a member of St. Mary’s Altar Society and gave her time helping with church bazaars. She was talented and creative. She took great pride in remodeling several rooms in her home. Ella Marie enjoyed cooking for family and friends, bowling, and serving as a Boy Scout Den Mother—creating many fond memories for her children and others. Family was at the heart of Ella Marie’s life. For many years, she and Glenn spent meaningful time with her parents—helping them with household chores, sharing Sunday breakfasts and making Christmas stollen bread. She and Glenn loved working the daily crossword in the State Journal along with doing puzzles. Ella Marie worked at ART's Restaurant in Farmersville.  She continued her career path at Dickey-John Corporation for 24 years, where she rose to a leadership position. She retired in January of 1999. As her parents aged, she and Glenn were instrumental in their care and also the care of her beloved Aunt Frances. In retirement, Ella Marie continued to enjoy life through outings with friends and time spent with grandchildren at their sporting events. She enjoyed painting ceramics and created many keepsakes that her family enjoys to this day.  She laughed easily and brought joy to those around her. Ella was also a great St. Louis Cardinals fan.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brothers Frank E (Bud) Beechner and Benjamin Beechner, Sister-in-law Paulette Beechner, Daughter-in-law Joliene Brown, and Grandson Andrew Paul Brown. 

Visitation will be Monday, March 30, 2026 from 4:00 pm until time of memorial service at 5:30 pm at Bramley Funeral Home, 150 Reichert Road, Divernon with Jesse Orme officiating. A time of gathering will follow in the reception room. Burial will be at a later date at Rovey Cemetery in Farmersville.

Ella Marie was a strong and courageous woman who led her family with love and grace. She faced adversity with strength and found joy in everyday moments. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

Memorial donations to Farmersville/Waggoner ambulance services.

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