Ellen Hedger, 82 of Viola, Illinois, was surrounded by family as she passed away on Wednesday, June 7, 2023. Visitation is 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 12, at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola. The funeral service is 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 13, at Dennison Funeral Home, Viola. The service will be live-streamed on the funeral home Facebook Page for those unable to attend. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Memorials may be left for Mercer County Animal Control.
Ellen Irene was born August 11, 1940, in Agency, Iowa, the daughter of Robert and Julia Garrett Appleby. She graduated from Davenport High School. On November 25, 1961, she married Earnest “Buck” Hedger in Davenport. They were married until he passed on January 16, 2017. Ellen dedicated her life to being a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest joy was time spent with family. She was very active with the American Legion Auxiliary and Viola Lioness Club. She enjoyed collecting dolls, crocheting, and knitting. She also loved dogs, giving a home to many over the years.
Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Jennifer (Tim) Willits, Don (Lisa) Hedger, Vicki (Jeff) Walsh, Chuck (Karen) Hedger, and Julia Doub (Andrew Hickman); 13 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; and sister: Evelyn VanZandbergen.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; granddaughter: Destiny Hedger; and brothers: Jack and Bill Appleby.
Online condolences may be left at www.dennisonfuneralhome.com.