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Lucy Ellen Garrity Novotne

January 1, 1933 — June 13, 2025

Morris

Lucy Ellen Garrity Novotne

Age 92 of Morris, Illinois, passed away on Friday, June 13, 2025, at Serenity Estates of Morris.

Born January 1, 1933, in Morris, Illinois, Lucy Ellen was a daughter of Edward and Ethel (Ratcliff) Garrity. She attended local schools and graduated from St. Angela Academy in 1950. She went on to complete her nursing certification at Mercy Hospital through St. Xavier University, graduating with the Class of 1953. Lucy dedicated 30 years of her life to nursing with the Veterans Administration. Throughout her career, she lived in Morris, Dwight, Illinois, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and California. On September 25, 1987, she married Lee Novotne in California. Following her retirement, the couple returned to Morris.

Lucy was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Morris, where she generously volunteered her time and talents, including faithfully laundering the liturgical linens used for Mass. She enjoyed reading and completing word search puzzles and was known for her quiet acts of service such as giving rides, cleaning homes, and caring for ill friends and neighbors.

She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Lucy was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lee; sisters: Sister Mary Yvonne, Marilyn (Herman) Olsen, and Mary June Garrity Enger.

Cremation rites have been accorded.

The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 600 East Jackson Street in Morris, on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Jason Stone presiding. Lucy will be laid to rest in Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Lucy's name to the recipient of the donor's choosing.

Family and friends are encouraged to visit www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guestbook, upload photos, and share Lucy’s memorial page through social media.

Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves, Fruland & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory. (815-942-2500)

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lucy Ellen Garrity Novotne, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, June 28, 2025

10:00 - 11:00 am (Central time)

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Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

600 E Jackson St, Morris, IL 60450

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Funeral Service

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

Add to Calendar

Immaculate Conception Catholic Church

600 E Jackson St, Morris, IL 60450

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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