Ellen Roxanne Conley of Makanda

Ellen Roxanne Conley, 65, peacefully passed away Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale surrounded by her loving family.

Roxanne came into the world on Sept. 19, 1958, in Murphysboro, born to Bonnie (Gwaltney) Davis. On Feb. 17, 1977, she joined hands in marriage with Richard Conley in Elizabethtown, and he preceded her in death on July 7, 2022.

Throughout her life, Roxanne worked and contributed to many organizations. She began her journey at Arnold’s Market and later established their catering business. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to own and manage two businesses, Carter's Custom Framing and Art Gallery and Attitude Designs. She also spent time working at Books are Fun, Carbondale Main Street, Carbondale Convention and Tourism, and was the marketing director for G&R Rentals. Beyond her professional endeavors, she selflessly volunteered on several community boards, leaving an indelible mark on organizations such as Carbondale Community Arts, Carbondale Convention of Tourism, Carbondale Main Street, Varsity Center for the Arts, the Southern Illinois Science Center and the Unity Point School Board. Notably, she spearheaded and orchestrated beloved community events like Arts in Celebration, the Lights Fantastic Parade and the Carbondale Pig Out.

In her leisure time, Roxanne found joy in spending quality time with her family, nurturing her garden, indulging in arts and crafts, dancing, and enthusiastically supporting SIU sporting events.

Roxanne is survived by her daughter, Robin Cutting of Carbondale; three sons, Curtis Conley of Stanley, Idaho, Derek Conley of Saint Charles and Brett Conley of Hoffman Estates; her mother, Bonnie Glisson of Carbondale; her grandchildren, Amy, Anna, Alexandria, Adrienne and Brandon; and her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Chase, Emily and Rowan. She was preceded in death by her father, Tommy Glisson, husband Richard Conley, and her daughter, Brandi Rae.

In memory of Roxanne's remarkable life, contributions may be made to the Lights Fantastic Parade of Carbondale.

A Celebration of Roxanne’s Life will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at her home at 221 Poplar Lake Road in Makanda.

Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale assisted the family with arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Roxanne, visit meredithfh.com.