THE funeral was held recently for Ellen Knowles who died on May 15, aged 72.

Known as Nellie, she was the youngest of nine children to the late Richard and Judy Bowyer.

Born in Northwich, she met George in Winnington and they married when she was 22.

Her first child Richard was born on her 25th birthday, Stephen and Josephine followed later.

When her children were young she ran a grocery shop in Rudheath.

Later she was employed at Thompson's Salt Works in Wincham, where many of her brothers and sister worked.

Nellie retired during her late 50s.

She developed a passion for bingo and also enjoyed day trips out and had happy memories of holidays spent in Wales with George and the family.

Sadly she was widowed in 1999.

Nellie leaves her three children, grandchildren Tracey, Karen, Emma, Matthew, Amy and Jessica and great grandchildren Jade, Kyle and Curtis.

The service was held at St Wilfrid's RC Church where Canon Healey was the celebrant. Committal was at Altrincham Crematorium.

As well as floral tributes, donations were received for Cancer Research.

Arrangements by George Bell Funeral Service, Northwich