Mrs. Mary Ellen (Ellsworth) Johnson, 68, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully at Goshen General Hospital on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:46 am following a courageous four year battle with cancer. She was born on March 20, 1953 in South Bend to the late Kenneth Ellsworth, Sr. and Barbara (Zook) Ellsworth Friend, and is preceded in death by her loving husbands Russell Grant Duckworth, Sr and Robert Louis Johnson; a son, Brian Keith Duckworth; a brother, Kenneth Wayne Ellsworth, Jr., and a cousin that was raised like a brother, Randall Ellsworth, Sr.

Surviving Mary Ellen is a son, Russell G. (Sherry L.) Duckworth, Jr. of McMinnville, Tennessee and daughter Teresa Marie Duckworth Gomez of Colorado Springs, Colorado; step-children Robin (Antonio) Carrer and Rebecca Coleman; brother Rick (Kathy) Ellsworth; sisters Diann (Rusty) Leighty and Sherry Dellenger, 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and a host of extended family, friends and co-workers.

Mary worked most of her life in the hospitality industry as she was employed at several area hotels over the span of almost 30 years in the housekeeping and laundry departments, including the Elkhart Days Inn and Elkhart's Hilton Garden Inn. She was very outspoken and opinionated, but never came across as harsh or rude. She lived an amazing and eventful life, but never a dull moment for this bunch!

Near the end, it seemed as if Mary had her hands full with her health issues, but she remained strong, and the family came together to help her complete her life's circle. Mary will forever be a beacon of light for her family, bringing everyone home safely!

In accordance with the family's wishes, no immediate service or visitation have been scheduled.  Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart have been assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

Friends and family wishing to make a monetary donation in Mary's memory may do so by sending your contribution to an organization of your choice. Additionally, please be sure to thoroughly browse Mary's obit page, as you are able to leave condolences and memories, post photographs on her memory wall, and order other funerary items in regard to the family.