Mary Ellen Like

Mary Ellen Like, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully passed away on Monday, January 26th, 2026, at the age of 82 at the Medical Center of Bowling Green, KY. Born on Tuesday, March 30th, 1943, in East St. Louis, IL.

Mary Ellen dedicated her professional life to customer service at Peytons Distribution, where her warm smile and kind demeanor touched the lives of many. She was a former member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Eastern Star, and she found great joy in reading and studying the Bible. Her love for the outdoors was evident in her passion for camping, taking walks, and spending time with her loyal dog, Fireball.

Mary Ellen is survived by her three children: Coleman Like, Jr. of Scottsville, KY; Ellen Birdwell (Jeff) of Scottsville, KY; and Becky Sampson (Jonathan) of Franklin, KY. She leaves behind a legacy through her 8 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Danny K. Kramer (Robin) of Wentzville, MO, several nieces and nephews, and her beloved dog, Fireball.

She was preceded in death by her father, Samuel “Sam” Robertson; her mother, Ellen (Allbright) Buehler; her step-father, Danny Kramer; her spouse, Otis Coleman Like; and her daughter, Norma Jean “Jo” Like Brown.

Funeral services will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 553 Ashmoor Avenue in Bowling Green, KY, on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, at 11:00 am. Visitation will be at Gilbert Funeral Home in Franklin, KY, on Friday, January 30th, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm, and again at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, January 31st, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A graveside service will follow at Restlawn Memory Gardens, 6324 Nashville Road in Franklin, KY, at 2:00 pm.

Pallbearers honoring Mary Ellen will be Danny K. Kramer, D.K. Kramer, Tyler Birdwell, and James Birdwell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medical Center Health Hospitality House, 501 High St., Bowling Green, KY 42101. Please mark the donations in memory of Mary Ellen.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory. For more information, please visit their website at www.gilbertfhonline.com or their Facebook page, Gilbert Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. You may also call the obituary phone line at 270-586-8844.

Mary Ellen Like will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love for her family, and her kindness to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.