Mary Ellen (Lineberry) Bishop, 74, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Monday, May 15, 2017 at her home with family present.

Born July 3, 1942 in Marceline, Missouri, Mary Ellen was the daughter of the late Thomas S. and Cecilia A. (Owens) Lineberry. On May 23, 1964 in Marceline, Missouri, Mary Ellen was united in marriage to Robert "Bob" Bishop.

Mary Ellen is survived by her husband of almost 53 years; two sons, Thomas O. Bishop and wife Jill of Kirksville, MO, and Alexander J. Bishop and wife Brandi of Stillwater, OK; three brothers, Charles Lineberry of Mountain Home, AR, Johnny Lineberry of Tallahome, TN, and Andrew Lineberry of Orlando, FL; six grandchildren, Jackie and Ryan Bishop both of Kirksville, MO, and Katelyn, Megan, Allison, and Madilyn Bishop all of Stillwater, OK, and step-grandchildren Kristen Clay of Altus, OK, Trevor Love of Kirksville, MO, and Colton Sayre of Kirksville, MO, and two step-great grandsons Keegan and Lawrence Clay of Altus, OK, as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one sister, Judy M. Sims.

Mary Ellen attended St. Bonaventure Catholic Grade School in Marceline, MO, and was a graduate from Marceline High School with the Class of 1960. In 1965, Mary Ellen graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Northeast Missouri State Teacher's College in Kirksville, MO. In 1965, she was hired to direct the first Head Start Program in the State of Missouri, in Marceline, MO, where she also served as the Kindergarten and 2nd grade teacher at Walt Disney Elementary School from 1966-67. From 1981-2006 Mary Ellen taught 2nd grade at Mary Immaculate Catholic School, Kirksville MO, where she also served as the Coordinator of Hands on Science after school Math and Science program for many years. Upon retirement, Mary Ellen spent time privately tutoring many students in reading, math, and science. Mary Ellen was an active member of Gamma Nu Delta Kappa and assisted with curriculum development and establishment of K-3 science and math education standards for the State of Missouri. Mary Ellen was awarded the 1987-1988 Missouri Council for American Private Education Award and was recognized as the 2000 Rotary Teacher of the Year. Mary Ellen was a devoted member of Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Kirksville. She volunteered and directed summer vacation bible school at Mary Immaculate for many years. Mary Ellen also served as the Weight Watcher's Leader in Kirksville for over a decade.

A Liturgical Vigil Service, including recitation of the rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2017 and family will receive friends following from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 19, 2107 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Kirksville, with Monsignor David Cox presiding. Interment will follow Mass at Mary Immaculate Catholic Cemetery in Kirksville.

Pallbearers will be Andy Lineberry, Jackie Bishop, Ryan Bishop, Ben Buening, John Prenger, and James Heaton.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mary Ellen Bishop may be made to the Mary Immaculate Catholic School or Mary Immaculate Church. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.