of Harrison, AR

February 18, 1935 - July 12, 2025

Mary Ellen Silzer, age 90, of Harrison, AR passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12th at Home Hospice Care of Little Rock, AR. She was born on Feb. 18, 1935 to Floyd and Grace Wise in York, Pennsylvania. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband and love of her life, Robert R. Silzer, Sr.

Known as ''Nanny'', Mary Ellen is survived by her daughter, Missy Thompson and husband, Marshall of The Woodlands, Texas; sons, Dr. Robert Silzer and wife, Sara of Little Rock, AR and Richard Silzer and wife, Karen of Garfield, AR; Grandchildren, Robert Thompson of Seattle, WA, Laura Thompson of New York City, NY, Mary Elizabeth Silzer of Durham. No. Carolina, Owen Silzer, of Durham, No. Carolina, Christopher Silzer, of Garfield, AR and Samuel Silzer of Garfield, AR. She is also survived by her beloved dog, Duchess.

Mary Ellen graduated from York High School in York, Pennsylvania and completed her Registered Nursing degree at Union Memorial Nursing School (now known as John's Hopkins) in Baltimore, Maryland. It was during that time she met the love of her life, Robert R. Silzer, Sr. Mary Ellen and Bob moved their family from York in 1966 to Fayetteville, AR in order for him to take a position on staff at the University of Arkansas. Following their time in Fayetteville, they moved permanently to Harrison. They were married for 21 years before his death in 1978.

Mary Ellen worked in nursing and healthcare until into her 70's. She began working for the Visiting Nurse's Association as an RN in home healthcare, as well as working all floors in both the York Hospital and later the North Arkansas Regional Medical Center and the Area Agency on Aging in Harrison. Her most loved healthcare jobs were in school nursing. She was the first School Nurse in both the Fayetteville School District and later the Harrison School District. Many school children in both districts received needed medical and dental care through her efforts. She also served as the nurse for the Head Start Summer Program in Fayetteville.

Mary Ellen was an accomplished seamstress, creating and sewing garments for her children and grandchildren. She was an artist whose painting graced both her home and the homes of family and friends. She loved to garden, spend time with family members and was an avid reader. She is a past member of the Harrison Art League, First Lutheran Church, Harrison Retired Teachers Association and competed in League Bowling at the Harrison Bowling Alley. She maintained strong friendships from her nursing school days in Baltimore and loved taking trips with her friends. She logged countless hours in bleachers watching her children and grandchildren compete in many sports during their years in school. She always put family first and believed in helping those in need. Mary Ellen lived independently in her home until her death, assisted by her family and much loved caregiver and friend, Brenda George. She held a special place in her heart for the friendship with her neighbors, Chris and Brandi Diffey and Polly Hodges.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2 pm under the direction of Roller-Christeson Funeral Home in Maplewood Cemetery.

She will be laid to rest next to her husband, Robert Silzer. After many years apart, they are finally reunited and are dancing together in Heaven.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Hospital, a charity she regularly supported.

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