Margo Elaine Nellis (Hock) – West Frankfort, IL

Margo Elaine Nellis (Hock), 71 of West Frankfort, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:00 a.m. September 9, 2024, at home with loved ones beside her.

Margo was born January 5, 1953, in Cambria, IL. The youngest daughter of Robert and Lillian Hock. She married Robert Nellis Sr. of Carbondale, IL on March 27, 1976, in Cambria, IL.

While Margo had several jobs during her life- being an OB nurse at Herrin Hospital and a stay-at-home mom and grandma were her favorites.

Margo is survived by her husband of 48 years, Robert Nellis Sr. of West Frankfort, IL, and her children: daughter Mandy Mize and son-in-law John Mize of West Frankfort, IL, son Robert Nellis II and daughter-in-law Charity Nellis of Oklahoma City, OK, daughter Jadrian Greathouse and son-in-law Kevin Greathouse of West Frankfort, IL, and her sister Susie Hubbard (Hock) and brother-in-law Harold Hubbard of Royalton, IL.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Garrett Green of West Frankfort, IL, Korrena Smith (Green) and Luke Smith of Paducah, KY, Alexander Greathouse of West Frankfort, IL, Alyssa Greathouse of West Frankfort, IL, Johnny Mize of West Frankfort, IL, Chloe Mize of West Frankfort, IL, Autumn Nellis of Oklahoma City, OK, and one great-granddaughter Opal Lee Smith of Paducah, KY.

To these special children she was known as MooMoo. This moniker came from her grand-niece and nephew whom she lovingly referred to as her practice grandchildren, since she cared for them before her own grandchildren were born. Margo collected cow figurines which her husband, Robert, bought for her on his travels. At the time she had about a 250-cow herd. One day her grand-niece, about 4 or 5 at the time, said to Margo, “MooMoo, you have a lot of cows. Do you love cows?” She replied, “Almost as much as I love you.” With that, her grandma nickname was born, and she was called such by all the grand and great-grandchildren, thanks to her wonderful grand-niece Lindsey Arvai (Eastwood) and grand-nephew Jared Eastwood. They helped to teach her how to be a grandparent.

Margo was preceded in death by her mother Lillian Jackson (Worthern) and father Robert Hock, sisters: Pearl (Fifi) Pierson, Diane Crawford (Hock), and her brother Robert L. Hock Jr.

Margo was a loving, caring soul and a loyal friend. She and Robert were together from their first meeting in 1972, till her death- 52 years, 5 months, and 13 days.

Robert- “My soulmate, even with all the life ‘stickers,’ will always be the greatest part of my life. I miss her dearly already.”

To honor Margo, friends and family are encouraged to make donations to the American Cancer Society.

Family and friends memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Pate Funeral Home, 301 S. Main St., Benton, IL.