SALINA – Mary Ellen Rudick passed away on Sunday, November 21, 2021. She was born January 13, 1948, in Centralia, Illinois to Agnes and David Tallman. She grew up in Springfield, Illinois. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1970.

Mary Ellen worked as a social worker in the St. Louis County Missouri Welfare Department. She worked for OCCK/DPOK Inc. for 23 years. She enjoyed being part of the RSVP Advisory Board, Accessibility Advisory Board, and Meals on Wheels. She also served several years with Flint Hills Trustee Foundation Board and CAPS (Child Advocacy and Parenting Services), especially with Chris’ Place Board.

Mary Ellen enjoyed cooking. She especially enjoyed baking bread. She also enjoyed bird watching and knitting.

She married Doug Rudick in 1987 blending their two families: Mary Ellen’s two sons, Timothy Baffa, and Ben Baffa (Kristel Baffa) and Doug’s twin daughters, Kari Farmer, and Amy Hoselton (Ryan Hoselton), 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, and one brother.

Visitation will be Friday, December 3, 2021, at Ryan Mortuary from 4 to 8 p.m. with family present from 5 to 6 p.m. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021, at Christ Cathedral, 138 S. 8th Street.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank and sent in care of Ryan Mortuary.