ELKHART -- Mary E. Wilson, 80, of 1901 Osolo Road, Elkhart, died at 7:53 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 30, 2008) at her home after an extended illness.

She was born April 17, 1928, in Niles, Mich., to Newberry and Faye (Zehner) Cooper. On June 20, 1959, she married Harry H. Wilson Jr. in Elkhart. He died in 1987.

Mrs. Wilson is survived by three daughters, Vickie K. Gonyon, Karen L. (Ray) Kleitz, and Judy Bartley, all of Elkhart; one brother, Richard (Sally) Cooper of Middlebury; five sisters, Virginia B. Jensen of Middlebury, Francis E. Vlaeminck and Bettie L. Lundy, both of Elkhart, Jean (Pat) Bachler of South Bend, and Nancy (Roger) Petersen of Ligonier; 11 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by two sons, Roger D. Ellis and Jeff A. "Wolfy" Wilson; three brothers, Robert, Donald and Terry Cooper; one sister, Becky Miller; and her former husband, Blaine R. Ellis.

Mrs. Wilson worked at the Alumax Company of Elkhart for more than 35 years, retiring in 1993. There, she was the senior machine operator and union steward of United Auto Workers Local No. 1315. She was an avid bingo player, who loved computer games, cheering for Notre Dame, listening to country music and watching soap operas.

Friends may call one hour prior to the 6 p.m. Wednesday funeral service at Billings Funeral Home, 812 S. Baldwin St., Elkhart. Sister Nora Frost will officiate. Cremation will take place and burial will be at Ivan Cemetery, Middlebury, at a later date.

Memorials may be given to United Cancer Services of Elkhart County, the Center for Hospice and Palliative Care or to the family. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.