LuEllen Agee

LuEllen Heyduck Agee, at the blessed age of 104 years & 7 months, passed away on Thursday, November 9, 2023. Several family members surrounded this greatly loved lady as she passed to heaven. LuEllen is survived by her four children: Dr. John (Joan) Agee of Valparaiso, IN, Bill (Karen) Agee and Dave (Vicki) Agee of Centralia, and Deb (Troy) Reed of Iuka. LuEllen had 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. The grandchildren are: Christopher Agee of Knoxville, TN, Dr. Allison (Ryan) Kane of Castle Pine, CO, Kevin Agee (Amber Gold) of Valparaiso, IN, Jenna Agee (Ryan Hepler) of Indianapolis, IN, Matt (Amy) Clarke of Wentzville, MO, Melissa (William) Petersen of Mt. Zion, IL, Megan (Al) Bazile and Mitch Agee of Centralia, Nick Reed (Danielle Trivett) of Coatesville, IN, and Dr. Chrissy Reed (Jake) Schatz of Iuka. LuEllen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Calvin B. Agee in 2002; sister, Dorothy Heyduck Denman, who died in 2022 at the age 105; special cousin, Phyllis Copple Diedrich; and special friend, Phyllis Wham. LuEllen was born April 8, 1919 to local dentist Dr. John and Lola (Fouts) Heyduck of Centralia. She lived almost all of her life in Centralia, graduating CHS class of 1937. She graduated from Christian College (Columbia College) in Columbia, MO and then transferred to the University of Illinois at Champaign. LuEllen was working on a degree to support her dream of becoming a large department store purchasing agent. Due to the death of her father, she had to leave school and return home to support her mother. LuEllen worked several jobs, but was proudest of being part of the local oil boom, where she witnessed a gusher coming in. She was honored to be employed by Magnolia Oil and Gas (which became Mobil Oil) as a scheduling manager for many years. She met Calvin Agee and later married in Columbia, MO on June 4, 1949. They returned to live and work in the Centralia area. LuEllen worked until the birth of her first child. Eventually, she had 4 children, under 4 years old, at the age of 39. She remained a homemaker and enjoyed raising and supporting her children, being interested and directly involved in their adult lives. She loved her family dearly. We have been extremely grateful to have had her so long. LuEllen was a longstanding and loyal friend to many fellow Centralia residents, whom nearly all, she has survived. She will be greatly missed by her family and all that knew her. LuEllen was a member of many community groups, including the Jr. Women’s Club and P.E.O. International (53 year member), and the First Christian Church. She volunteered several years at Kaskaskia College, where she received certificate awards for her benevolence. Her most recent notoriety was in 2022, when she rode the bull at the Iron Saddle Ranch on her 103rd birthday. LuEllen was an avid animal lover. She enjoyed the many dogs and cats that she had throughout her life. The family even had a pet monkey. She found comfort from her latest cat companion, Mr. Tramp. LuEllen had a love for flowers. She took great pride in her flower garden, especially her roses. She has been saddened the last year as her physical agility has decreased, but has remained mentally sharp, interactive, and loving to all. LuEllen was able to stay at home with the help of her family, Angie Ellis and her group of caregivers. Visitation for LuEllen Agee will be Friday, November 17, 2023 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm at the Sutherland-Garner Funeral Home in Centralia. Funeral service will be at 2:00 PM with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Animal Rescue of Southern Illinois, First Christian Church, or the donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home. Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home, located at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois, is honored to be of service to the Agee family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home's Facebook page.

LuEllen Agee

April 8, 1919 - November 9, 2023