Marjorie Louise Ellsworth

Marjorie “Marge” Ellsworth formerly of Belleville, Illinois passed away June 22, 2022, at The Baptist Home in Ironton, Missouri at the age of 89 years. She was born March 31, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri the daughter of the late Eugene and Mary McSpadden. On September 24, 1950, Marge married the love of her life, William “Bill” Ellsworth. He preceded her in death on August 16, 2018. To this union two daughters were born: Terry Hughes (Harold) of Springfield, Missouri, and Marjean Shofner (Mark) of Belleville, Illinois. Marge is also survived by her brother David McSpadden (Suzanne) of Daly City, California. After the early death of their parents, Marge raised David as a son and considered his children her grandchildren. Six grandchildren are left to mourn her death: Nicole (Michael), Nick (Christine), Matthew (Lori), Vicki, William, and Jaclyn (Deker). In addition to her six great grandchildren: Ashley (Clayton), Rachel, Luke, Sadie, Evan and Bodi, a host of other relatives and friends also mourn her passing. Marge was a member of First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, Illinois and loved her church family. With her husband Bill, together they served the Lord in Youth, Music and Pastoral Ministry. Marge and Bill also served as missionaries to the Sioux Nation at Sharp’s Corner Baptist Church in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Marge and Bill found ‘their heart’ and a great love for the Sioux people. After the move back to Belleville, they continued to serve in local churches throughout the Metro East until retirement where they settled into serving at First Baptist, Fairview Heights, singing in the Choir, singing and playing for the Senior Choir, visiting the sick in nursing homes and encouraging those around them. Marge was a consummate musician. She was a piano teacher, children’s choir director and an exceptional pianist whose love of God flowed through her fingers. Marge had a distinctively unique style where she could combine many styles of music into her accompaniments and solo work. From classical to jazz, Broadway to Beethoven and Southern Gospel to Honky Tonk, Marge could play any style. Early in her career, Marge had a radio show, then a radio and television show where her husband Bill could watch her sing and play while serving on the U.S.S. Donner during his service in the Navy. Her favorite song to sing for him was “come rain or come shine.” And shine, Marge did. Her television show was a great success as Marge would create medleys of Broadway hits and learn songs people would call in and request to hear. Unfortunately, the station decided to follow the censorship of not playing certain composers so the show was cancelled but she had a great run! Marge loved serving God and He used her greatly in many venues. While she always accompanied at local churches and schools, God used her on a National scale, accompanying W.M.U. conventions, revivals, crusades, recordings, Southern Baptist Conventions, Womens conferences and many secular industries including a Muny Troupe show. She accompanied the Singing Illinoisians, the Singing Churchmen and several Musical evangelists and Gospel groups. Marge has past students who continue to bring the love of music and Jesus to others. Marge loved her family and delighted in their visits and accomplishments. She loved seeing them follow Christ and her desire was for each of them to follow God’s plan for their life as His life was exciting, fun and the best life. Marge lit up a room with her smile, her encouragement and promise to pray for you. She was a prayer warrior, a light and a servant of Jesus who served God until her last breath. She is at peace, pain free and singing with the Saints. A Celebration of Life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Fairview Heights, 10401 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, Illinois on August 6, 2022. Fellowship will begin at 10:00 a.m. with a service following at 11:00 a.m. Marge will be inurned with her husband at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in a private gathering on August 5, 2022. Memorials may be made to The Baptist Homes of Arcadia Valley Benevolent Fund, P.O. Box 87, Ironton, MO, 63650, or the W.M.U. Foundation, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, Alabama, 35242 or First Baptist Church Fairview Heights, 10401 Lincoln Trail, Fairview Heights, Illinois, 62208. The family is so thankful for the love and care given to their Matriarch by The Baptist Home of Ironton, Missouri and Safe Harbor Hospice.