Emily "Sue" Eldridge conquered Dementia and crossed the Finish Line into her Heavenly home at 2:22am on Monday, October 26,2026; with her family by her side and a great cloud of witnesses in Heaven cheering her on as she fought her last fight, breathed her final breath and took her first step on streets of gold.

Emily Sue was a force to be reckoned with, a light to this world and loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Emily was born to Kenneth and Dorothy (Harris) McNeely on June 15th, 1952 at Herrin Hospital. The oldest of 3 siblings who grew up surrounded by a loving community who became family in Spillertown.

On October 9th, 1972 in Elizabethtown, Illinois, Emily Sue rendered her love to Donald Mark Eldridge in Holy matrimony. She was a graduate of Marion High School. They began building their life by merging together two families: (The McNeely's and The Eldridge's). Residing in Marion, Illinois Emily and Donnie gave birth two children their daughter Gretchen and their son Benjamin (Ben).

Emily and Don along with the Eldridge family owned and operated Holly Park Nursery and later Greenscape Creations. To provide greater healthcare for her family Emily Sue worked at GTE phone company and then SIU where she retired.

Emily Sue was a lover of life. She enjoyed fishing, gardening, music, laughing, hiking and challenging herself later in life by competing in marathons. She looked forward each year to traveling to Memphis, TN and running for the kids at St Jude's. Emily assured her home had an open door, a long table, walls of laughter, and a porch full of rocking chairs and some "good ham" where her friends and family felt welcomed, loved and accepted. Meeting you at the front door with open arms, a smile and a giggle was expected.

She was a MiMi to the lights of her world. Asher Mark and Ellie Jean. The love she had for both of them will carry them through the rest of their days.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Dorothy (Harris) McNeely and many other aunts, uncles, family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Donald Mark Eldridge of Marion; daughter- Gretchen Olivia Eldridge of Rockford, IL; son- Benjamin Mark Eldridge (Stephanie) of Marion; grandchildren- Asher Mark Eldridge and Elliana Jean Eldridge both of Marion; her Rockford family- Dawn Derr, Taylor (Little Bit), Royal and Bonnie Taylor; sister- Mary (Mike) Lee; brother- Kevin (Carla) McNeely; cousin/chosen brother- Kenny Blumenstock and nieces, nephews and a host of cousins.

The funeral service for Emily will take place on Friday, October 30th, 2026 at Grange Hall Freewill Baptist Church/ 9950 Grassy Rd/ Marion, IL 62959/ with her brother- Rev. Kevin McNeely and Kenny Blumenstock officiating the service. Visitation will take place from 10am until time of service at 1:00 pm. Graveside will follow at McKinney Chapel Cemetery in rural Marion. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to McCluskie Funeral Home in Herrin.

The family would like to extend their appreciation and love to the Anchor of the Voyage, in Marion for their love and service their staff provided to our wife, mother and Mimi. And to Hospice of Southern Illinois for their assistance during her final days and to Devin McCluskie for the way in which he has honored our families greatest treasure.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Jude's Children's Hospital and Hospice of Southern Illinois and will be accepted at the church or may be mailed to McCluskie Funeral Home/ 501 S. 12th St./ Herrin, IL 62948.

For more information, please visit www.mccluskiefh.com or call (618) 942-2020.