Mary Ellen Harper Calhoun, age 65, passed away Friday, November 15, 2024, at her home in Charleston, Missouri.

Born October 27, 1959, at Wyatt, Missouri, to the late Leland Fletcher Harper and Willadean Templeton Harper.  Mary grew up in the Bridges Community of rural Mississippi County and later lived in Illinois a number of years before returning to Southeast Missouri.  Mary was a talented seamstress and craftsman and could make or do anything she set her mind to.  Mary loved her beloved fur babies, Mouser and Ginger.

On July 5, 1986, she married John Edmund Schulte from Lena, Illinois. He preceded her in death on August 4, 1991.

She then married Steven Alden Calhoun on August 14, 1999, and he preceded her in death August 31, 2022.

Surviving are her children, Kitty Blum of Dubuque, IA, Tim Schulte of Dubuque, IA and Todd (Melanie) Schulte of Murfreesboro, TN; grandchildren, Crystal (Ron) Francois, Amber (Josh) Herbst, Michael Schulte, Matthew (Talia) Schulte and Elizabeth Schulte; five great grandchildren; her brother, Bill Harper; her sister, Linda Bagwell; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and their families. Also, special caregiver, her niece Janica Harper Hall, of Charleston.

In addition to both husbands and her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Tony Schulte; son in law, Mark Blum; her brothers and sisters, James Ray Harper, Leland Edward Harper, Bobby Harper, Ricky Harper, Eva Corbell, Debra Lynn Stewart, Barbara Harper Yancy and Patricia Branum and her niece Amanda Page Stewart.

Private burial will be held at St. Mary Cemetery in Galena, Illnois.

The family wishes many thanks and appreciation to Crown Hospice.

A celebration of life is being planned for the spring of 2025 in Galena, IL.

In lieu of flowers, all donations can be made to the ALS Association, Dept 1275 K. Street, NW Suite 250, Washington, DC  20005.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston, MO is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.