Ellen J. Bartels, 87, of Mendota died Feb. 9, 2011, in her residence. A prayer service will be at 6:15 p.m. Monday in Merritt Funeral Home, Mendota, with the Rev. Gary Blake officiating. Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation is 4-6 p.m. Monday in the funeral home.  She was born Jan. 9, 1924, in Chicago to John and Julia (Doles) Cavanaugh. She married Lawrence F. Bartels on Sept. 15, 1945, in Chicago. She was a member of Holy Cross Church and a past president of Altar and Rosary Society of the church. She is survived by her husband; two daughters, Judy Bartels of Mendota and Denise (Michael) Shirey of Southlake, Texas; one son, Lawrence J. (Rhonda) Bartels of Mendota; three grandchildren, Michael Bartels, Joseph Shirey and Sarah Shirey; and two brothers, William (Marian) Cavanaugh of St. Charles and James (Ruth Peterson) Cavanaugh of McHenry. She was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia. Memorials may be directed to Illinois Valley Hospice.