Ellen May Fitts

Ellen May Fitts of Robinson, IL passed away on Sunday, February 18, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN, just two days short of her 74th birthday. Born on February 20, 1950, in Vincennes, she spent her formative years on Bunker Hill Road and attended Tecumseh School in junior high and Lincoln High School until she chose to leave school to care for her mother after a stroke, an early sign of the compassionate caregiver she would be throughout her life.

Ellen's work history was as diverse as it was vibrant. From earning 35 cents an hour at Wally's Root Beer Stand to her time at Brown's Shoe Factory and Troy's Restaurant in Vincennes, she worked tirelessly to provide for her family. Her adventurous spirit led her to South Carolina, where she worked at a cotton mill before becoming a go-go dancer at Royal Flush. It was there she met a Navy man who later became her future husband, Willis "Bill" Poston, and was crowned Miss Indiana, a highlight of her colorful life.

Ellen's journey also took her to Florida and Texas, where she served in the kitchen at NASA before eventually moving back home to Illinois. Her career path was eclectic, having worked at places like Tempco, Ettelbrick Shoe Factory, Robinson Transformer, Crawford Electronics, Jerry's Janitorial, Leaf Candy Company, and Jakel Motors as a machine operator until they closed their doors. Her role as a caregiver to many family members was perhaps her most cherished job.

After all, family was Ellen's cornerstone. She married Larry W. Fitts on June 18, 1994, and he preceded her in death on January 2, 2021. She was also preceded in death by her children's father, Willis "Bill" Poston; her parents, Ernest E. Collins & DeElda (Colvin) Collins; her step-father, Alvia Burton "Eddie" Collins; and her siblings, Everette Collins, Rhoda M. (Collins) Fitts, Alvia "Bimbo" Collins, and Anna Hawes.

She is survived by her sons & daughter-in-law, William Poston (Decatur, IL) and Michael & Dana Poston (Robinson, IL); her daughter & son-in-law, Michelle & Doug Graupmann (Marshall, IL); her step-sons & daughters-in-law, Doug Fitts (Robinson, IL), Don & Michele Fitts (Robinson, IL), and Danny & Heidi Fitts (Oblong, IL); her grandchildren, Jerehmy Vaughn, Jenny Fitts, Greg Fitts, Samantha Brawner, Brittany Rhoads, Kaley Price, Brock Fitts, Kyle Nash, Dylenn Nash, Jullian Poston, Brayden Nash, Owen Poston, and Addison Poston; and by several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Each could speak to the fact that Ellen had a passion for life's simple pleasures. Bingo nights were a favorite pastime, embarking on bus trips expressly for the game and playing locally in Robinson, Vincennes, and Palestine. She loved to cook, with her meatloaf and mashed potatoes becoming family legends, and her baking skills left everyone craving her pies, cakes, and cookies. Bowling was another joy - she even defeated her husband on "blind night" at the bowling alley! In her later years, Ellen's nurturing nature shone as she helped raise her grandchildren and care for numerous nieces and nephews, always ready to babysit and lend a helping hand.

Time and again, it was evident that selflessness defined Ellen's character. She was the rock her family could lean on, and her caring soul influenced all aspects of her life, from the love she poured into her family to the many jobs she embraced to ensure their well-being. Ellen's journey may have come to an end, but the memories she created will continue to inspire and comfort those she loved for generations to come.

A time of visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21st, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Funeral services will immediately follow and be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, with Pastor Dwight McDaniel officiating. Burial will be in the Robinson New Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the "Robinson Area Food Pantry" or to the "Riley Hospital for Children", with envelopes available at the funeral home.