Mary Ellen Couch, 83, died March 11, 2016, in Bourbonnais, Ill. She was born April 30, 1932, in Heaton, Texas, to George and Ida Mae (St. John) Dart.

Mary Ellen graduated high school in 1960, received her bachelor's degree in 1983, and her master's degree in 1985 from Fort Hays State University. She was a special education teacher. Mary Ellen enjoyed Thursday night Bible studies, crossword puzzles, crocheting, eating out with friends, and especially spending time with family. She was a member of First Church of the Nazarene, Hutchinson.

On July 28, 1948, she married Floyd "Bus" Couch in Buffalo, Oklahoma. He died June 2, 2011. Survivors include: daughters, Janice D. Smith of Denver, Colo., and Sheryl M. Martin (Troy W.) of Bourbonnais, Ill.; son, Terry D. Couch (Marcia) of Dodge City; grandchildren, Connie Norwood, Tyson and Schafer Couch, Andrea Oelger, Amie Littrell; and seven great-grandchildren.She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Paul and Carl Dart.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, at First Church of the Nazarene, 4209 N. Monroe, Hutchinson, with Pastor Kent Pedersen officiating. Graveside service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016, in Highpoint Cemetery, Buffalo, Okla., with Troy W. Martin officiating. Friends may call from 1 to 9:00 p.m. Friday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time Saturday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Nazarene Compassionate Ministries or First Church of the Nazarene, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.