Mary Ellen Lovejoy

Mary Ellen Lovejoy (nee Rakes), the indomitable centenarian matriarch of the Lovejoy family, passed on to glory on September 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 22, 1925 in Sand Creek, WV, the daughter of Levi S. and Polly (Damron) Rakes. She was wed to Roy David Lovejoy in Hamlin, WV on November 24, 1941.

Mary experienced an entire century filled with good and bad and so many biscuits. Her strong and stubborn affection shaped every Lovejoy descendent who was lucky enough to feel her love. She taught her progeny that love is an action–you should do what you can for those you love without expecting anything in return. She was equal parts willful and welcoming and there was always room at the table for one more.

Mary was an avid fiber artist: she sewed, crocheted, and was an expert quilter. She so generously used her textile skills to wrap her family in her love, gifting heirloom quilts and blankets to her family. She had the greenest of thumbs, and maintained a garden outside and a veritable jungle inside. She was a fabled baby whisperer, capable of soothing even the crankiest kiddo. Another tangible expression of her love was her cooking: every single thing she made, from apple pie to pot roast to green beans, was absolutely delicious. Her kitchen was her heart, and everyone was welcome in it.

Mary is survived by her children: Alvina (Howie d. 2017) Siford, Darell (Susan) Lovejoy, Ella (Bill) Burns, Christine (Joseph) Zimmerman, Kennard Lovejoy, Riley Lovejoy, JoAnn (Kenneth) Clapacs, and Marie (Timothy) Stocker, and a nigh innumerable number of grand, great-grand, and great-great-grand children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her daughter Delfie, her parents and all her siblings, granddaughter Kimberly Lovejoy, her great grandson Matthew Croft, and her great granddaughter Alexandria Struhar.

Mary’s legacy is written in all the lives she touched–and in the stories, quilts, and legacy of love that will be passed down for generations. She will never be forgotten.

A Funeral Service will take place at 12:00 noon on Monday, September 29, 2025 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street in Madison. Pastor Steve Bradshaw from LifeHouse Church will officiate the service. Family and friends will be received for 2 hours prior to the service from 10:00am to 12:00 noon. Internment will take place at Madison Memorial Cemetery. Online obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com