On November 28, 2022, Ellen Fay (Jurs) Butkus was called home to meet her Creator after a long and joy filled life.

What she loved most about that life were the people: husband of 48 years Alexander, son Matthew, daughters Abigail and Gwendolyn, grandchildren Charlie and Owen, daughter in-law Lisa {Johnson) Butkus and brother Jeffry Jurs. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Bill Jurs. She loved her family, nieces, nephews, and was blessed by her dear cousins, family, friends, and her brothers and sisters at Reba Place Church who all cared for her during challenging times.

Her professional life was spent giving back to others. Ellen began her career as a rehabilitation nurse at Evanston Hospital, before becoming a parish nurse. After putting her career on pause to raise a family, in partnership with Reba Place Church, Ellen founded Senior Connections, an organization that combined her love for nursing and caring for seniors. Here, she championed the mutuality of friendship across generations, valuing the lived experience, the wisdom and welcome embodied in older adults. In addition to being Executive Director of Senior Connections, Ellen served on the boards of North Shore Senior Center and Ten Thousand Villages (Evanston).

Ellen loved to write, particularly about the wonders of nature and how nature reflects its Creator. She especially loved sunsets and told her family she would see us in the sunsets.

Services will be held privately.

Should you desire to celebrate her life by furthering her cause, donations to Reba Place Church, 535 Custer St, Evanston, IL 60202 are welcomed. Note Ellen Butkus/Senior Connections on the Memo line.

Arrangements were entrusted to DUNN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME WITH CREMATORY, 1801 S. Douglas Rd., Oswego, IL 60543.  For information www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com or 630-554-3888.