Our beloved Miss Ella Kathleen Berry was chosen by God to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven on Monday Nov. 2, completing her earthly journey with grace and devotion. She walked in faith throughout her life, offering compassion, wisdom, and encouragement to everyone she encountered. Her steadfast belief and loving spirit will continue to inspire those she leaves behind. 

Ella is survived by her mother, Vashti Berry and father, Jeffrey Berry and older brother, Noah Berry. Additionally, both sets of grandparents, Mike and Cathy Berry and John and Kathy Tingleaf. She is survived by Aunt Rebecca Vlodek (Buddy), Uncle Kurt Vlodek and Uncle Tobias Tingleaf and Aunt Yvonne Tingleaf. She will continue to be loved by her cousins Calvin, Ritchie and Noelle Tingleaf and many other loving extended family members.

Ella gave us 16 glorious years, filled with love and laughter, friendship and a strong work ethic. She would want us to remember her for her natural curls that she spent hours on perfecting--often times locking us out of the bathroom while she styled her gorgeous locks. She would want us to remember her knack for sports betting, often years winning her fantasy football leagues, beating her brother and dad to take the titles. She would want to be remembered for her brilliant, sparkling blues eyes. She would want to be remembered for her giving nature and yet her thrifty, penny-pinching ways. She would want to be remembered for her vanilla-scented perfumes, often times wearing so much that the entire house smelled like a candy factory. Remember her as a true Bears and Cubs fan and a Kansas City Chiefs fan, too. Remember her as a loyal, best friend to all that had the pleasure of her being a part of her world.

She stands in our hearts as a reminder of strength, perseverance, love and compassion and all that is good with the world. She will forever be our Ella, Ella-Bean, Bean, Beanie, Ellabeanguigie and our Forever Sweet 16.

A cELLAbration of her life with be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 4-8 p.m. at The Stables. 

A funeral will be held at Saint John Paul II Catholic Church on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of funeral flowers, please consider a donation to the Children's Hospital of Illinois. Rux Funeral Home in Kewanee is assisting the family with arrangements.

We thank you all for the outpouring of love and support over the past few weeks. It has been incredible to see and feel the community adoration for our Ella-Bean. Continue to cELLAbrate life each and every day--Ella would want that.