Ellen Lorene Pergl, age 100 of Salem, passed away on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Salem Township Hospital. Ellen was a member of the Xenia Hope Church in rural Xenia. She had been a factory worker and cashier. She loved dancing and used to organize the dances at the Patoka Community Center, where she was recently honored. She was proud to have received the Key to the City of Salem when she turned 100. Ellen loved children, and was always there for her family, especially her many grandchildren and continued to babysit for her great-great-great granddaughter at age 100. They will forever remember her big heart, giving nature and happy disposition; she made every day feel like a celebration. They have no doubt that she holds the record for attending the most parades, carnivals and fairs.
Graveside services for Ellen Lorene Pergl will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday March 21, 2022 at Martin Cemetery in Alma with Matt Bryan officiating. Crouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com.
She is survived by her son, Mike Pergl of Salem; special niece whom she raised as a daughter, Jeanie Parker of Kinmundy; special niece, Marcia Parker of Louisville; brother, Kenneth Parker and wife Delores of Alma; special friend Bill Colclasure of Xenia; six grandchildren, Colby Pergl of Wentatchee, WA, Vicki Goodspeed and husband Bill of Centralia, Tim Hanks and wife Gayle of Cabot, AR, Steve Hanks and wife Carla of Yalaha, FL, Penny Bryan and husband Mike of Centralia, and Scotty Hanks and wife Dawn of Odin; 21 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great grandchildren, one great-great-great granddaughter Brooklyn; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
She was born on the family farm on August 10, 1921 in rural Alma, the daughter of Albert and Mary (Shuler) Parker. She married Charles Pergl in 1938 in Alma, and he preceded her in death. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Evelyne Martinez; brothers, Leonard Parker and John Parker; sister, Vivian Osborne; grandson, Terry Hanks; and special nephews, Wesley Parker and Roger Parker.
