Mary Ellen Meeks, 85, of Bentonville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, March 11, 2024. Born on May 3, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, to parents Edward and Mary Vlcek Bien.

Ellen was a vibrant and caring woman who loved life. She enjoyed playing cards and gambling, watching movies with her friends, and traveling, especially to visit her family. Ellen was known to be up late at night playing 'Words with Friends' with her grandchildren, earning her the affectionate titles of Granny, Grams, Gigi, and favorite Grandma. When Ellen relocated to Northwest Arkansas, she worked at Bates Memorial Hospital for over 20 years, where she gained the love and respect of coworkers and friends. After retiring, Ellen began volunteering through Fellowship Church as a counselor at the "Samaritan Community Center" for over ten years, passionately serving those in need around Northwest Arkansas.

Along with her parents, Ellen is preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Vandenbos, and sisters, Nancy Sabaj and Carol Thomas.

She is survived by her son, Steve York; daughter, Mary York Barnes; grandchildren, Kristy Thompson, Julie Muhlethaler, Seth Barnes, Sandy Vandenbos, Stephanie Murphy, Hayden Barnes; nine great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as many cherished friends at Osage Terrace.

A celebration of life will be announced at a date to be determined in the near future.

The family requests that memorial donations in Mary Ellen Meeks' name be made to either " Samaritan House " or to " Ellen's Memorial Garden at Osage Terrace " in her honor.

Ellen's code for fingerprint memories is 949-304989 and may be utilized at www.thumbies.com .

Cremation arrangements are under the care of Benton County Memorial Park and Crematory (479) 636-2412.