Ellen Eileen Knauss

February 17, 1943 - May 13, 2017

Mattoon, IL – Ellen “Eileen” Knauss, age 74, of Mattoon, IL, passed away on May 13, 2017 at 8:35 a.m. at Odd Fellow Rebekah Home. The funeral mass in her honor will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 18, 2017, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL. Father John Titus will officiate. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Born February 17, 1943, in Mattoon, Illinois, Eileen was the daughter of Roy and Margeret (Hickman) Jackson. She married Dave Knauss, on February 12th, 1966, in Mattoon, Illinois. Survivors include her loving husband of 51 years, Dave, who resides in Mattoon, IL; Brother-in-law Leon Waggoner and his wife Beverly of Gays, Illinois; Nephew Tony Waggoner of Gays, Illinois. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Theresa Waggoner; and one niece, Marcia Waggoner. Eileen was employed by Illinois Consolidated Telephone Company, as an Administrative Assistant for forty years. In her spare time, she enjoyed needle-point and crocheting , particularly baby blankets. She found entertainment by cross-word puzzles, reading, and adult coloring books. Eileen was quite an avid Cardinal and Packers fan and always found time to watch the sporting events on television. However, her favorite pastime were the wonderful fishing trips she took with her beloved husband, Dave, and the memories that will be forever cherished. Memorials in her honor may be made to the Coles County Animal Shelter, Catholic Charities of Mattoon, or Mattoon Community Food Center Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with her family.