Mary Ellen (Ott) Trout, 66, devoted wife of Robert W. Trout Jr., passed away on Friday, September 16, 2022 at home with her loving family by her side. She fought a courageous battle with glioblastoma. Born January 18, 1956, Mary Ellen was the beloved daughter of Richard and Frances Ott of Phoenixville.

Mary Ellen was a lifelong resident of Phoenixville, graduating from Phoenixville High School in 1973. Following high school, she worked as a key punch operator for several years. To spend time at home raising her children, Mary Ellen self-taught herself to bake and decorate cakes, which she did for 18 years. She made many wonderful and creative birthday and wedding cakes for many people. In 1999, Mary Ellen began working at East Pikeland Elementary. Here, she found her calling in life. Working as the school secretary at East Pikeland and, eventually, Manavon, Mary Ellen loved all of the children that passed through the halls. She prided herself on knowing the children's names, their parents, and many of their grandparents. She loved the kids and their families. She formed lifelong relationships with so many school parents, principals, teachers, and aids. Mary Ellen retired from Manavon in 2021 to focus on her health issues.

In addition to her parents, Mary Ellen is survived by her children, Robert W. Trout III (Lauren), Jennie Lynn Trout, and Julianne Trout. She was a loving MeMe to her six beautiful grandchildren, Hayden, Logan, and Sydney Prizer and Norah, Jack, and Emma Trout. She is also survived by her six siblings: Richard Ott (Norma), Joseph Ott, Thomas Ott (Lisa), Constance Sweigart (David), Donna Gillenwater (Paul), and Jennifer Kozak (John); brother-in-law Steve Trout (Maribeth Woodward), and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, Aunts, Uncles, and lots of cousins. Mary Ellen was especially close to her Aunt Pauline Scheirer, cousin Kathy Rhodenbaugh, and best friend Dianne Tracey. Family gatherings were very special to Mary Ellen. Having a full house of family gave her a full heart.

Prior to her passing, Mary Ellen asked that we thank the East Pikeland and Manavon families and the community for the unbelievable love, support, and generosity. To all of those who organized and contributed to the GoFund Me, Color Run, food train, cards, flowers, letters, and personal messages, Mary Ellen was touched more than words can express. Your thoughtfulness, visits, and prayers kept her positive and fighting to live. Thanks to all of the generosity, we were able to care for Mary Ellen in the comfort of her home until her passing. Our wonderful Mary Ellen was loved by so many people. Her passing leaves an enormous hole in our family. She will forever be loved and missed by so many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral mass at the St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, 3640 Schuylkill Road, Spring City, PA 19475 on Thursday, September 22, 2022 at 11:00 am. Officiating will be Rev. Charles O'Hara. Entombment will follow in the Limerick Garden of Memories. Friends will be received on Wednesday, September 21, 2022 from 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm at the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., 610 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460, and again on Thursday morning from 9:30 am - 10:45 am in the Church. A memorial gathering and meal, also open to the public, will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2022 in the cafeteria of the former East Pikeland Elementary School, now known as Cottage Seven Academy, 1191 Hares Hill Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460 from 11:00 am - 1:00 pm. Arrangements are being handled by the Campbell-Ennis-Klotzbach Funeral Home, Inc., Phoenixville, PA.