Marla May Ely

Marla May Ely (nee Green), of St. Charles, Missouri, passed away on Friday, August 10, 2018, at the age of 74. Loving wife of the late Thomas Elbert Ely; beloved daughter of the late Ronald Eldon and Maria Lucita Green; devoted mother of Talisa (Cary) O'Brien, Shayla (Randall) Hubler, Paco (Dana Campagna-Ely) Ely, and Chicky Ely; treasured grandmother of Chloe O’Brien, Sydney (Jaime) Zarate-Sada, Isabel O’Brien, Mia O’Brien, Tim (Bridget) McCoy, Dylan Hubler, Clayton Hubler, Paris Hubler, Sophia Ely, and Benicio Ely; and dear sister of Rita (Lew) Cornelius, Anita Martin, Carla (Orville) Tobin, Ronnie (Dorothy) Green, Bucky (Barbara) Green, Boo-Boo (Patti) Green, Marquita (Bernie) Rothrock, and the late Lucita Ostenso. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Lulu, and many nieces and nephews.

Marla was a member of St. Charles Christian Church. She was a dedicated babysitter for over 30 years to many children. After her career as a babysitter, she went on to work at IGA in the bakery. She was known in St. Charles as the “Candle Lady” for the Christmas Eve luminaries. She loved playing the piano and listening to Classical music, especially Beethoven. Marla also enjoyed reading, quilting, and making people baby blankets. She was a ferocious Mahjongg player and enjoyed doing jigsaw puzzles as well. Marla loved celebrating the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. She was known for her amazing peanut brittle that she made every Christmas season. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be remembered for her friendly personality and her devotion to her family. Marla was dearly loved and will be missed by all who knew her.

Memorial contributions may be made in Marla’s honor to the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.