"To the Inman Family, so very sorry for your loss of beautiful Mary Ellen. She did many wonderful framings for me. Thoroughly enjoyed the fantastic obituary...no frills all honesty. Peace and prayers to you, she was a real gem. "
In loving memory of
Mary Ellen Inman
July 8, 1942 - November 14, 2022
Mary Ellen Smock Inman was born on July 8, 1942, in Murrayville, Illinois. She was raised by her grandparents, Troy and Lena Smock who preceded her in death. She graduated from Jacksonville high school in 1960. She was living in Mount Sterling and working in Quincy at Quincy Soybean. In June 1960, Mary Ellen and John met at Mason's Grill, which was just west of WGEM in downtown Quincy, all because John liked her backside. He thought the front was nice too. The next time they met, they went to Mom's Sugar Bowl, a little diner in downtown Quincy. They were married three months later on September 3, 1960, in Murrayville at the Murrayville Methodist Church. Mary Ellen's wedding bouquet of daisies was picked on the roadside. Of their short engagement, she said "Everyone will think I'm pregnant." because they were getting married so quickly, but she wasn't. Shortly after they were married, they both lost their jobs - John was working at Sears and Mary Ellen was working at Quincy Soybean. That did not stop them! Instead of sitting around worrying, they used Mary Ellen's unemployment check to take a trip to the Ozarks. Then, John started working at Gates Radio and Mary Ellen became a homemaker. Their first apartment was at 8th and Spring, but soon moved to Trailer Town on N. 12th St. While living at Trailer Town, they had their first child, Michael, an infant son who died shortly after birth. Jeff was born in 1963 followed by Brian in 1965. From there they moved to 2627 Maine St., and their daughter Marcy was born in 1967. Mary Ellen proclaimed, "I'm done being pregnant."
Mary Ellen was very involved with the kids' school that they were attending. She was a member of the PTA and was PTA president at Ellington school. She was a member of many service organizations like PEO and Altrusa to name a few. John and Mary Ellen met many lifelong friends while they attended Vermont Street United Methodist Church. In 1974, they opened a picture frame business, Inman's Frames and Things, on the back porch of their home on Christopher Court. The business steadily grew under Mary Ellen's guidance. It was in several locations, each time getting larger. Their final location was now known as Inman's Gallery at 501 Broadway. They closed their business in 2008 after 34 years. Owning and operating their business was one of her accomplishments of which she was the most proud. She was awarded the YWCA's Business Women of Achievement Award. Outside of her love for art, she loved to read...... and read and read and read and read. She had more books than you could count. She was quick to embrace the e-readers, and had five different Kindles and two other tablets. That way, she could always have one that was charged. In their retirement, John and Mary Ellen did go on a quest to find the best tenderloin in the Midwest. After extensive travels, they found the best tenderloin was right here in Quincy, at Kelly's. She enjoyed going out to dinner - Kelly's and Dunbelly were their favorites.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Troy and Lena Smock. An infant son, Michael, and an infant granddaughter, Maggie Inman. She is survived by her husband of 61 years John Inman. She's also survived by her children Jeff and his wife, Chris Inman of O'Fallon Missouri, Brian and his wife, Tia, of Quincy, Illinois, and Marcy and her husband, Randy Phillips of Camp Point. Grandchildren, Douglas, and his wife, Kristen Inman of Quincy, Illinois, Molly Inman of O'Fallon, Missouri, Josh Inman of O'Fallon, Missouri, Jacob Inman and his wife, Aurora of Beaverton, Oregon, Chloe Inman of Ocoee, Florida. Step-grandchild, Jacob Albers. Two great-grandchildren, Hayden and Jace Inman of Quincy.
It was Mary Ellen's wish not to have a visitation or a funeral service. She didn't want any flowers or plants or food sent over to the house. She requests that everyone would just love each other.
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"Sending condolences to the Iman family ! Mary Ellen was a pleasure to have known & I will always remember your beautiful warm smile ! "
"What a beautiful obituary. I enjoyed reading every word & could picture Mary Ellen & John in every situation. Mary Ellen was truly a beautiful ?lady? inside & out. The word was a better place with her in it! What a beautiful tribute filled with love and respect from Randy on Facebook as well! I am sure Our Heavenly Father has welcomed Mary Ellen into his Kingdom & pray we will all see her again in the home he has prepared for us. May ?He? grant you strength & peace during this difficult time of sadness. My prayers are with you. "
"Mary Ellen was a gem to work with, I enjoyed her personality as I did framing work with her for my employer as well as my personal needs. She was such a pretty lady! Always a smile and lovely greeting each and every time I went into her shop, called her on phone, or even when she made housecalls at home or office to give much needed advice. Her written obituary is a treasure, truly. Living her best life. The best to you John in the days ahead. Take care."
"To the Inman family, my condolences on the loss of your mother. She was a lovely woman."
" Her smile was contagious-her life journey told so much about her strength, courage and honesty. John had to have been her biggest supporter-and she his-being raised by them was a gift by example. Our family will say her name during these next few months-she will be remembered by many. Her request will be honored by us to many that never were blessed with true love. Mary Jane Rischar "
"Dear Inman Family, What a talented woman Mary Ellen was. I proudly display framed pieces that she made for me many years ago. I think it is good that you honored her wishes involving her end of life decisions. Sincerely, Pat Wentura"
"Brian and family, So sorry for your loss. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Glenn and Janice"
"To John, Brian, and family, sending heartfelt condolences and love to you during this time of loss. I got to know your parents through their shop. They assisted me with many projects that still hang in our home , from family portraits to original art and my mom?s needlepoint projects. Mary Ellen was so kind and I?ll continue to smile when I think of her. "
"Remembering all of you in prayer as you pass through this new stage in your lives. "
"I knew Mary Ellen through PTA and her shop. She framed many items for me ranging from counted cross stitch to cherished family heirloom pictures. We shared many laughs through the years. She will be greatly missed by so many. Condolences to the family."
"Marcy, Brian & Jeff, so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed reading details of your mom?s life and it made me smile at some of the memories from church days together. And it explains a lot about who you three are. ? Glad your folks had 60+ years together; that is a blessing. Take care of dad. Thinking of you all. "
"Mary Ellen was such a lovely lady and always kind and thoughtful. I have many happy PEO memories with her and also happy memories of she and John when they lived on Eagle Trace. May God bless her richly and may he watch over all of you who loved her dearly. Jan Bocke (Joe, too)"
"Brian and Family - I am sorry for your loss - I wish you peace"
"John, Jeff, Brian and Marcy your mom was the nicest lady and was a wonderful cousin, she will be so missed condolences to you all????"
"Mary Ellen and I have been life long friends, sharing many memories along the way. I used to kid her about their moving so much. She said when things improve, so will their living places. Her sense of humor was great, she had a powerful way of dealing with her customers. I should know, we have something of her talent in every single room of our house. Did I say she was a great sales lady . . well we are proof of that. Mary Ellen you will be missed by oh . . so many. I love you kiddo, may you be in peace without your constant pain. John and crew, we understand you are pain, may you find comfort on your memories of her guidance and great love for her family."
"This is one of the most beautiful obituaries I have read. It captures the personalities of Mary Ellen and John. We were next door neighbors for years and enjoyed dinners and time visiting each other's patios together. We provided original source for Mary Ellen's "Devel in the White City book Club, she reciprocated with a book of my interest. Mary Ellen is a wonderful person. Our condolences to the ones we know best: John, Brian and Marcy and to all the family."
"So many good memories growing up and spending time with uncle John and aunt Mary Ellen whether it was Christmas time or a super bowl party and playing basketball together whether rain or shine or snow. So sorry to hear of her passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Randy and Julie Wilson"
"I?m so sorry to read of Mary Ann?s passing. She was always encouraging and interested to frame my latest needlework. I always admired her beauty and elegance. My sympathy to the family. I totally agree with her plans to simply ?love one another?. "