Mary Ellen Moore, 72 passed away January 19th following a brief Illness. Born September 27th 1933 in Champaign, IL to Omar and Winnie Irvin, she married Earl Moore Jr. in 1952. Together they raised four boys. She's quoted as saying, "I've had the best of both worlds" In her time, Mary Ellen enjoyed extensive world travel and made her home in Illinois, the West Coast, New England, Colorado, Iowa, Libya, Malta, and Maryland. She loved to read and was a life-long learner. She taught herself to speak Arabic so she could haggle with Libyan shopkeepers. She graduated from Iowa State University in 1981 to begin a career in Interior Design for the Veterans Administration in Knoxville, IA, then, in 1990, was selected to lend her talents to a new VA hospital being finished in Baltimore, MD that won her national recognition. After a 20 year career, she retired in 2003. Survived by a brother and sister, Charles Irvin of Rantoul, IL and Pauline Kingston of Paxton, IL. Also by her sons, Dan in North Liberty, IA, Robin (Jedra) in Carlisle, IA, Randy in MI, Tracy (Lynette) of S. Jordan, UT and 8 grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation in her name to the Israel Family Hospice House in Ames, IA. Mom lived life on her own terms and made growing up an adventure. Her compassion for others and her daring spirit have left a great legacy for us to remember. She touched countless lives, will be greatly missed, and prepared us well for "the next great adventure". She was my Superhero! My touchstone! A mother first, best friend and confidante. The source, by her example, of my life's outlook and philosophies. An amazing and strong woman, Mom was known for her open honesty, deep compassion, continuous creativity, hard work, quick wit and humor. When she was old, she DID wear purple. A celebration of Mary Ellen's life is being planned for February 18th from noon to 2:00 pm at 1235 9th Street, Nevada, IA.