Elsie Grace Reed

Elsie Grace (Clifton) Reed, 72, of Rantoul, Illinois, passed away Sunday, August 30, 2026, at Carle Hospital in Urbana, Illinois.

She was born on May 1, 1954, in Decatur, Illinois, the daughter of Francis Eugene "Clif” Clifton and Betty Lou (Hasler) Stanley. Elsie married Wilbur Leonard Reed Jr. on August 18, 1972, in Bethany, Illinois. They later divorced.

Elsie graduated from Maroa-Forsyth High School in 1972. Elsie was a beautician and did hair for many years. She also loved oil painting, it was one of her passions. She took after her mother, Betty Lou (Hasler) Stanley, in her artistic talents. She was a loving mother, sister, and friend. Elsie loved "Betty Boop" and she was an avid Chicago Bears Fan.

She is survived by two daughters; Desirae (Jim) Hardy and Samantha Reed; one sister, MaryAnn Clifton, of Maroa, Illinois; one brother, Delmar Clifton Sr., of Maroa, Illinois. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as many cousins and friends.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, former husband, Wilbur Leonard Reed, Jr. and one nephew, Adam Lincoln Braden.

A Celebration of life to honor the life of Elsie Reed will be on September 19, 2026 from 2 pm to 4 pm at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home in Decatur. Memorials may be directed to ASPCA or the Decatur and Macon County Humane Society.

Cremation rites are being accorded by Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, Decatur, Illinois.