SPRINGFIELD – Lee Ellen Bacon, 89, passed away Monday, January 20, 2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

She was born May 3, 1935 to Theodore and Barbara (Mossman) Ripley. She married John D. Bacon on September 8, 1983 in Las Vegas. She was preceded in death by her father; mother and stepfather, Barbara and James F. Kelly; daughter, Brenda Pusch; and brother, Theodore Ripley.

Lee worked at Lincoln Land Community College 32 years and at Holiday Inn East for 26 years. She was a member of Bissell United Methodist Church, American Business Women's Association Cornerstone Chapter, State Universities Annuitants Association, United Community Travelers and AARP. She volunteered at Senior Services by teaching ceramics and at Interfaith Caregivers 3rd Age Living by taking people to appointments and grocery shopping.

She is survived by her husband, John Bacon; children, Debbie (Joe) Lewison and Michael (Lisa) Pusch; grandchildren, Gabe (Jessica) Lewison, Katrina (Matt) Carlson, Luke (Keri) Lewison, Jerin (Eric) Olson and Jamy (JP) Agrall; and great-grandchildren, Alden Lewison, Arya, Cooper and Landon Lewison, Tegan and Levi Carlson, and Lilly, Emmy, Peter and Teddy Olson.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the time of a service at 12 p.m. Sunday, January 26, 2025, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. Private inurnment will be in Roselawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Animal Protective League or Ronald McDonald House.