Ellen Annette Skelton, formerly of Vienna

Ellen Annette Skelton, age 91 years, a former resident of rural Vienna, passed away Friday afternoon, Oct. 3, 2025, at 12:20 p.m. at River’s Bend Retirement Community of Kuttawa, Ky.

Annette, as she was known to family and friends, was born Jan. 14, 1934, in Mt. Pleasant, Ill. She was the daughter of Fred W. Brown and Lorene (Keller) Brown.

On Nov. 26, 1955, Annette was united in marriage to Dale Skelton in Anna. He preceded her in death on Dec. 6, 2017.

Annette is survived by a sister, Jeanie (Jim) Bundren of Eddyville, Ky.; nephews Jamie (Whitney) Bundren of Evansville, Ind., and J.T. (Prudence) Bundren of Sydney, Australia; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews Carver Bundren, Keaton Bundren, Audrey Bundren and Atticus Bundren.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents and her husband.

As a child, Annette attended a two-room school in Union County and also attended school in Flint, Mich. She was a 1952 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro High School. Annette also attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. During her working career, Annette was employed at the Elgin State Hospital for 17 years. She later worked for the former Drovers State Bank as well as the Johnson County Supervisor of Assessments. Annette later was employed as a clerical staff member by Tip of Illinois in the Vienna office.

In her spare time, Annette enjoyed creating ceramics. She was also skilled at many types of needlecrafts, including crochet, knitting and cross-stitch.

Annette had a deep love of music and playing the piano. Beginning in her teenage years, Annette served as pianist in churches where her family worshipped together. The first church where Annette served as pianist was the Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church. She and Dale were charter members of Fellowship Baptist Church in Vienna, where Annette served as the church pianist for many years.

A graveside service honoring the life of Annette Skelton was held on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 9, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Pastor Tom Gray officiated.

Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna was entrusted to serve the family.

Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Metropolis Camp, P.O. Box 511, Metropolis, IL 62960. Memorial envelopes will be available at the service or left in the care of the funeral home.