Ellen L. (Watts) Clelland

Ellen Clelland, 98, of Litchfield, passed away Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 9:25 a.m. at her residence.  Born in Litchfield, on July 11, 1925, a daughter of Argale Henry and Verda Blanche (Hall) Watts.  She was a lifelong resident of Litchfield.

Ellen was a graduate of Litchfield Community High School. She married James Jameson Clelland, Jr., on October 20, 1946. Mr. Clelland passed away August 23, 1993. Ellen worked for Barnstable Farm Supply Co., Buske Truck Lines, Wikomi Manufacturing and its successor, Worksaver, Inc. where she was the bookkeeper and office manager until her retirement.

A faithful and lifelong member of Union Avenue Christian Church. Mrs. Clelland held many leadership roles. She taught Sunday school, served on the church council, the church’s funeral dinner caring mission, the Board of Elders, and was bestowed the honor of elder emeritus. She was the first woman of the church to be chosen to serve as an elder.   Mrs. Clelland was active in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Christian Women’s Fellowship both locally and regionally.  She enjoyed being surrounded by her family, playing games of all kinds, and travelling. She was everyone’s friend, never met a stranger and lived life to the fullest.

Surviving, is her son, David Clelland of Glen Carbon, IL, two daughters, Gail (Rick) Piggott of Long Grove, IL and Linda Clelland of Litchfield. Her brother, Arthur Watts of Litchfield, and her sister, Joan Davis of Gillespie.  

Eleven grandchildren; Amy (Mike) Aldrich, Chris (Stephanie) Piggott, Rob (Shanna) Piggott, and Greg (Nicole) Piggott, Katie Clelland and Craig (Kayla) Clelland, Charlie Hicks, Michelle Hicks, Brandon (Kellan) Hicks, Nick (Nicole) Dowdy, and Trent Clelland. And, she leaves twenty-six great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Clelland is preceded in death by three sons; Steve, James, III, and Donald “Grover” Clelland, a brother, Charles Watts, and five sisters, Mildred in infancy, Anna May Watts, Juanita Goff, Norma Watts and Erma Niehaus.

Funeral services for Mrs. Clelland will be conducted Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield. The Rev. Cassie Sexton- Riggs will officiate.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the Church.  The family ask that memorials be given to Union Avenue Christian Church.  Cremation will follow the service, and a private family interment of ashes will be held at Elm Lawn Cemetery.  

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