Ellen Cope Peck

Martha Ruth Ellen Cope Peck was born September 13, 1920, in Salem, Missouri. Her parents were Otto H. and Altha Halbrook Cope. Ellen passed away November 1, 2023, at the age of one hundred three years. Ellen graduated from Salem High School at the age of sixteen in May 1937. The day after graduation she married her love, Jim Peck. They were married sixty-nine years before Jim’s passing. Jim and Ellen moved from Salem in 1951 to Wood River, Illinois. Ellen was employed for many years by the Roxana Illinois School District, from where she retired. They were members of the Roxana Nazarene Church where she served as church secretary and Sunday School superintendent. Jim and Ellen moved back to Salem in 1995. They were members of the First Baptist Church where she sang in the Basic Choir. She taught Bible study at the treatment center and for the women at the city jail. Ellen is survived by daughters: Ann Usher (Jack), Terri Scharth (Alan), and Carol Peck (companion Steve Raulston); grandchildren: Lynette Wellmann (Larry), Derek Shaver (Dana), Kim Usher, Julie Short (Scott), Ellen Benavidez (Enquire), and Alana Rogers (Trevor); great-grandchildren: Nick Wellmann, Cole Wellmann (Maddie), Sam Wellmann, Brennan Shaver, Brady Schmitz, Maddox Tabor, Nevaeh Benavidez, and Alan Benavidez; great-great-grandson: Wesley Wellmann; as well as several nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Preceding her in death, loving husband: Jim Peck; parents: Otto and Altha Cope; sister: Naomi Cope Rogers; and granddaughter: Mary Kate Scharth. Ellen will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her. Funeral Services for Ellen Cope Peck were held Saturday, November 4, 2023, at the Salem First Baptist Church with Pastor Phil Newcom and Joe Brand officiating. Special Music was provided by pianist Ann Emory and soloists Phil Newcom and Lisa Wulff. Song selections were “Victory In Jesus”, “In The Garden”, and “What A Day That Will Be”. Serving as Pallbearers were Steve Spencer, Chris Welch, Jake Decker, Gene Millsap, Joe Brand, and David Johnson. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim Ellis, Gary Cooper, Jack usher, Charlie Schultz, and Darl Walker. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Ellen Peck to the Music Program at Salem First Baptist and left with Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be left at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Ellen Cope Peck

September 13, 1920 - November 1, 2023