Mary Ellen Hall

January 7, 1938 - July 26, 2021

Mary Ellen Hall, 83 of San Antonio, Texas but long-time resident of Energy/Herrin, Illinois passed away peacefully on July 26, 2021 after a very long battle with cancer. Mary Ellen was the first born of Lt. Col William H. USAR and Lois A. McKnight. Mary Ellen was born at the Station Hospital at Fort Harrison, Indiana and lived in numerous places during her father’s career in the Army. She attended high school and three years of college in Albuquerque, New Mexico and considered this her home prior to her residence in Energy/Herrin, Illinois then later in San Antonio to be with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandson after the passing of her husband Larry. Mary Ellen graduated from Highland High School in Albuquerque, NM, attended college at the University of New Mexico and Central Missouri University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education for English and Social Studies. Mary Ellen loved teaching and taught at Northwestern HS in Palmyra, Illinois while her husband was stationed in Korea, Clark Hill Schools, Frankfort school, Clinton Central HS and Wainwright HS, all in Indiana. She also attended Purdue University and Southern Illinois University pursuing masters’ level work in both education and rehabilitation. Mary Ellen held teaching certifications in Indiana, Illinois, and Missouri. She was also a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Disability Management Specialist, and Certified Case Manager. She was certified to administer General Aptitude Tests, and in McCarron Dial systems, and provided Medical and Expert Witness Services. Mary Ellen was also on the Distinguished Service Registry with the Library of Congress for Medical and Vocation Rehabilitation. Mary Ellen had retired after 12 years of teaching and 24 years in rehabilitation case management. She was a dear mother, grandmother, pretend grandmother and close friend to many, and will certainly be missed by all who knew her. Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, William H. and Lois A. McKnight; her husband of 46 years, James Larry Hall (Larry); son, James William Hall (Jim); sister-in-law, Marsha McKnight and nephew, Chris McKnight. Mary Ellen leaves behind her daughter, Maureen Elizabeth Hall Ziegler (Beth); Beth’s husband, USAFR MSgt William Joseph Ziegler (Bill); grandson, James Joseph Hall (Jim); brother, William H. McKnight Jr. (Bill); nephew, William H. McKnight III (Will) and wife, Jennifer and their daughter, Chloe, and nephew, Spencer McKnight and his wife, Carolyn and their two children, William and Elle. Mary Ellen also leaves behind her dear friend and love, Leonard Clyde Adams (Clyde). Mary Ellen had asked Beth not to have a funeral, and to respect her wishes. There will be a family held Memorial / Celebration of Life Services on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the Family Life Center at Herrin First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary Ellen’s Memory to either the Breast Cancer Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Cremation rites were accorded in Texas. Private inurnment was in Egyptian Memorial Gardens in Energy, IL. Crain Funeral Home – Egyptian Chapel has been entrusted with the local arrangements.