Mary Ellen Vanfossan

East Palestine-March 17, 2012-Mary Ellen VanFossan, 62, of 66 S. Washington St., died at 9:30 pm Friday at Northside Hospital following a long illness.

Ms. VanFossan was born February 25, 1950 in Salem, a daughter of the late Donald and Marjorie McNutt VanFossan and had lived in this area all of her life.

Mary Ellen was a 1968 East Palestine graduate. She worked as a licensed practical nurse and surgical technician for St. Elizabeth's Health Care Center for over 30 years. She was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church where at one time she sang in the choir and played in the bell choir. She was a member of East Palestine #381 Order of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her sister, Christine (David) McMillen of East Palestine; her brother, Harry (Marsha) VanFossan of Columbus; two nieces, Sarah McMillen and Allison McMillen both of East Palestine; two nephews, Ryan VanFossan and Drew VanFossan both of Columbus; and her aunt, Martha Justison of East Palestine.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Van Dyke-Swaney-Rettig Funeral Home, East Palestine with Pastor Mark McTrustry officiating. Burial will follow in Crest Haven Memorial Gardens. Friends may call from 6-8 pm Tuesday at the funeral home.

Material tributes in Mary Ellen's memory may be made to the church memorial fund.