Elsie C. (Smith) Brooks

Elsie C. Brooks, age 96 of Eldorado, formally of Shawneetown, passed away  at 10:15 a.m. Monday, April 28, 2014 at McLeansboro Rehab. She was born in Eldorado December 24, 1917 to the late Virgil and Mary (Wells) Smith. Elsie married Floyd  Brooks on April 17, 1960 and he preceded her in death on March 25, 1995.   Elsie worked as a Canary Girl during World War II at the aircraft factory  in Detroit, Michigan. She owned The Beer Barrel Tavern for 20 years in Detroit.  Elsie is survived by a daughter, Susie Dale (Paul Hungate) of Equality, six grandchildren: Katie Holloway of Eldorado, Steve Holloway of Eldorado, Jeff (Chris) Ward of Michigan, Darla (Boone) Shephard, Joe (Kristi) Ward, Jack  (Kim) Ward of Colorado, Valeria Brooks of Ridgway, two stepchildren: Eddie  and Janet Brooks, six step-grandchildren: Norman, Donny, Diane, Debbie,  Brian and Wade, thirteen great grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren.  Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Brooks, son Melford Ray  Ward, a sister Toots Walker, and son-in-law Bob Dale.  Elsie and her sister Toots loved to travel all over the United States to spend time with her grandchildren. Elsie loved to listen to Frank Sinatra  sing “Fly Me To The Moon". She will be greatly missed.  There will be a graveside service for Elsie on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 1 p.m. at Westwood Cemetery near Shawneetown.  Rev. Michael Rushing will officiate.  Those attending should go directly to the cemetery.  Vickery Funeral Chapel in Shawneetown will be in charge of arrangements.  Internet condolences may be made at the website, www.vickeryfuneralchapel.com.