Mary Ellen Woodworth Obituary

Mary Ellen Frericks Woodworth of Camp Point, IL, died in Timber Point Healthcare Center on Thursday, June 19, 2025.

Mary Ellen was born on November 8, 1942, in Quincy, IL, a daughter of Albert and Pauline Boesing Frericks. Mary Ellen married Sylvester “Junior” Karch on November 17, 1962. She later married Bill Woodworth on July 23, 1982. He preceded her in death on March 30, 2016, in the log cabin that he and Mary Ellen had built.

Mary Ellen was a cherished wife, mother, sister, aunt, and a great friend to all. She ran a successful greenhouse and floral business in Mendon. It was there that she raised her three children, and she called themselves the four Musketeers. Mary Ellen liked to tell people that when she turned 10 years old the first Frericks Greenhouse was built. It was her background there that gave her a start in the greenhouse and floral business.

Mary Ellen appreciated living in a small community and the daily life there often brought tears to her eyes. Mary Ellen worked diligently supporting the upkeep of the small area cemeteries and fire departments in the rural areas.

After marrying Bill Woodworth, the couple started a business called Bill and Mary Ellen’s place at the Colony Flea Market, which they ran for over 25 years. You could always find a treasure there or just a comfortable chair to sit in and visit awhile.

Mary Ellen’s faith in God continued throughout her life with the support and love of her Catholic Faith. That love of faith led her to support both the Quincy Catholic Elementary Schools and the Quincy Notre Dame Foundations.

Mary Ellen will be remembered for how she shared her talents and her gift of gab, as she liked talking on the phone well into the evening. In the summation of Mary Ellen’s life, one may say that it was best told by all those whose lives she touched with her love, kindness, and gentle heart.

Mary Ellen is survived by her three children: two daughters, Angela (Dan) Karch Burton of Quincy, IL, and Beverly (Gabe), Gable, of Camp Point, IL, and one son, Brian Karch of Pittsfield, IL. Her grandchildren; Zachary (Amy) Burton, Daken Rudd, Shelbie (Jacob) Beaber, Skylar Gable (Michael), Chad Karch (Alyissa), Destiny Ransdell, Gail (Gary) Mast, and Ryan (Jayna) Klauser. Great-grandchildren; Chase, Evelyn, Mia, Lincoln, Akelia, Charlie, Axton, Ryanna, Hadlee, Jaxon, Abby, Elijah, Theo, Genevieve, Nevaeh, Hayson, Kristopher, Katie (Nick), Kailyn (Matthew), Adayre, and Bradyn. Great-great grandchildren; NJ and Rose. Stepchildren, William K. Woodworth, Karen (Jerry) Juilfs, Pam (Mike) Rabe, and Patty Woodworth. Step-grandchildren; Clayton (Julia) Rabe, and step-great-grandchildren; Wyatt, Reagan, and Eden, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband Bill, Mary Ellen was preceded in death by a stepson, Gary Woodworth, step-daughter-in-law, Pat Woodworth, and a great-grandchild, Colton. Also preceding her in death are siblings Betty Leach and her husband Ed, Brown Frericks and his wife Jeanne, Esther Musolino and her husband Frank, as well as Vivian Schulte and her husband, Ed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edward the Confessor Church at 10:00 am, Thursday, June 26, 2025. Fr. Scott Snider will officiate.

Visitation will take place at 9:00 am, one hour prior to Mass. A private inurnment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary Ellen's name made to St. Edward the Confessor Church, the Loraine Fire Protection District, the Mendon Fire Department, or the Camp Point Fire Department are gratefully accepted.

Condolences for the family may be left at www.triplettfuneralhomes.com