Mary Ellen Doudera, 94, of Salem, Illinois, was joyfully reunited with her Lord and family in Heaven on October 10, 2025. She was born on December 17, 1930, in Odin, Illinois, one of nine children born to Charles and Anna (Virgil) Jett. Throughout her life, Mary remained extremely close to her siblings, cherishing their bond and the laughter they shared across the years. In 1950, Mary married the love of her life, Raymond Doudera, and together they built a beautiful life in Salem, raising their three sons—Tony, Mark, and Ronnie. Her family was her greatest joy, and she devoted her life to creating a warm and loving home filled with the comforting smell of her Sunday dinners. Mary worked for many years at Brown Shoe Company, where she was known for her strong work ethic and kind spirit. Each summer, she took time off to be home with her boys and later cherished that same time with her grandchildren. In her later years, she found great joy in caring for her great-grandson Tristen, who brought her endless happiness. She was an active member of the Home Extension Office and a devoted member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she never missed a Sunday service and served as song leader and secretary. Her garden was a source of pride, yielding the best canned vegetables and her famous green sweet pickles that everyone looked forward to. When she wasn’t in her kitchen or tending her garden, Mary loved going shopping—always dressed to the nines and ready for an outing. She enjoyed walking and Friday night dinners with close friends, and hosting joyful family reunions during summer where generations gathered to fish, play, and share stories. Mary was a woman of unwavering faith with a full and bold personality—never afraid to speak her mind, yet always doing so with warmth, humor, and love. Her life was a beautiful example of strength, and devotion and her presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Doudera (1993), and her son, Ronald Doudera (2011). She is survived by her sons Tony (Vicky Rose) Doudera of Salem and Mark Doudera of Salem; grandchildren Crystal (Andrew) Reznack of Edwardsville and Andy (Sarah) Doudera of Salem; great-grandchildren Tristen Doudera and Ainsley Reznack; and sister Charlotte (Keith) Cain of Patoka. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am at Crouse Funeral Home on Monday October 13, 2025. Visitation will be held from 9am-11am. Interment will follow at Bethlehem Baptist Cemetery in Salem. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Baptist Church in her honor and can be received at the funeral home. Online condolences can be left at www.CrouseFH.com. “Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23