Published on October 5, 2026 12:13 pm
Last Updated on October 5, 2026 12:13 pm
Ella Mae “Pat” (Gaskill) Key, age 99, of Montrose, Illinois, passed away at 12:30 PM on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, Illinois.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Montrose, Illinois, with Father Carmen Scudei, OFM, celebrating mass. The burial will be in the Saint Rose Cemetery in Montrose, Illinois. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 PM on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at the Meyer Funeral Home in Dieterich, Illinois. In loving memory of Ella Mae, memorials may be made to the Life Center of Cumberland County or Glennwood Assisted Living.
Burial will be in the Saint Rose Cemetery in Montrose, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed and condolences left at www.meyerfh.com.
Ella Mae was born on September 8, 1927, in Mattoon, Illinois, the daughter of Everett and Verona (Kline) Gaskill. She graduated from Mattoon High School with the Class of 1945.
Ella Mae was united in marriage to Frank Key on December 30, 1953, in Mattoon, Illinois. Frank preceded her in death on November 12, 2011.
Ella Mae worked for the Illinois Department of Employment Security and Kuehne Manufacturing in Mattoon, before moving to Montrose. She worked alongside Frank on the Key Family Farm while raising their sons Terry and Keith.
Ella Mae was a member of Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Montrose, Illinois. She enjoyed playing BINGO and cards with family and friends. Ella loved going to church and visiting with her family.
Ella Mae is survived by:
Son – Keith (Correana) Key of Montrose, Illinois
Daughter-in-law – Barbara Key of Montrose, Illinois
Grandchildren – Maria (Eric) Spiker of Montrose, Illinois; Tony (Megan) Key of Westville, Ohio; Doug (Kate) Key of Powhatan, Virginia; Stacy Key (Lucas Ard) of Newton, Illinois and Kyle (Brett) Armstrong of Newton, Illinois
13 Great Grandchildren
Ella Mae was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son Terry Key on August 12, 2025, brothers Harold Gaskill and Robert Gaskill, sisters Margaret Hinchee, Hazel Sullivan and Mildred Stephens and a great grandson Drake Armstrong.