Mary Ellen Schnake

Mary Ellen Schnake, nee Adams, 95, of Richview, IL, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Mary was born in Granite City, IL on December 22, 1927 to Charles and Ellen Adams, nee Schulte, and they precede her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Bud Adams, and her husband, Stanley “Myrl” Schnake.

Mary married her late husband, Stanley “Myrl” Schnake on November 6, 1948 in Hoyleton, IL and they welcomed three children, Kathy Schnake, Les Schnake, and Hank Schnake. The couple shared many decades of wedded bliss before his passing. While Mary attended to her home and her children, she also dedicated her spare time to the Nashville and Centralia public libraries, accumulating 22 years of service as a part-time librarian. It is no surprise that Mary loved to read! When she was not bestowing her love of books, she worked hard on keeping her garden immaculate and free of weeds. She also enjoyed staying active, walking and riding her bike along her home’s scenic property, quilting, and she loved to bake fresh bread. Above all, Mary enjoyed spending time with her family—her children, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren. Mary graced so many lives with her kindness and her service as a librarian and she will be loved and missed by many.

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Kathy Schnake, Les Schnake, and Hank Schnake (Pam); her grandchildren, Angie Eldridge, Kristin Schnake, and Courtney Schnake; as well as four great-grandchildren.

Per her wishes, Mary will be cremated and her ashes scattered alongside her late husband’s in a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Nashville Public Library, 219 East Elm Street, Nashville, IL 62263, or Family Hospice, 5110 West Main Street, Belleville, IL 62226.

Hoffen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.