Elaine L. (Vanderah) McNeil, age 95, of East Dubuque, IL, passed away Wednesday evening, November 12, 2025, at Mercy One/Dubuque Medical Center, Dubuque, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church, in East Dubuque, with Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch officiating.  Burial will follow at the East Dubuque Cemetery.

Family and friends may call from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Monday, November 17, 2025, at the Miller Funeral Home, in East Dubuque, where the parish rosary will be recited at 2:30 p.m.  There will be an additional visitation on Tuesday, from 9:15 – 10:15 a.m., at St. Mary's Church, in East Dubuque.

Elaine was born on January 8, 1930, at home, in rural East Dubuque, the daughter of Eldon N. and Eleanor M. (Roth) Vanderah. She was a graduate of East Dubuque High School, the Class of 1947. Elaine was united in marriage to James E. "Jim" McNeil, on November 17, 1951, at St. Mary's Church in East Dubuque.

Elaine was formerly employed as a Payroll Processor at The Dubuque Packing Company and later worked as a secretary to Robert Wahlert.  In later years Elaine worked at St. Anthony grade school, teaching in their new computer training class.  She received her computer training certificate from Clarke College.

Elaine belonged to the St. Mary's Parish and served as their organist and pianist for over fifty years.  Elaine also coordinated the placement of flowers in planters in downtown East Dubuque for thirty years.  Once retired, Elaine volunteered at St. Mary's Grade School for twenty years.  She also served for several years on the Gramercy Park Board.

Surviving Elaine are her husband, Jim; three daughters, Mrs. Cathy Bilyeu (Dr. Tom Bilyeu), of Decatur, IL, Mrs. Lora Cook (Jack Cook), of Rockton, IL, Mrs. Lisa Perkey (Gary Perkey), of Colorado Springs, CO;  three sons: James McNeil, Jr. (JoAnne McNeil), of Asbury, IA, John McNeil (Linda McNeil), of Monroe, WI, and Michael McNeil (Lynn McNeil), of East Dubuque, IL.  She was blessed with eleven grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Elaine is survived by three sisters, Mary (Monie) Liddle, of Morton, IL, Esther Schiltz, of Austin, TX, and Mrs. Marlene May (Dick May), of Asbury, IA.; and brother, Steve Vanderah (Mary Vanderah), of Pella, IA.

She is preceded in death by her sister, Lou Mae Hasken, of Des Moines, IA; and her brother, Jerry Vanderah, of East Dubuque.

The family gives a very special thanks to Mercy Hospital, especially to Elaine's attending physician, Dr. Noble; nurses Annie and Sam; and Msgr. Lyle Wilgenbusch, who provided her last rights during Elaine's final hours.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.millerfhed.com©