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Ella Gerlitz
Ella (Albus) Gerlitz passed away on Friday, June 9, 2017 at Rejoice Elder Care, Mandan, ND, 2 months short of her 104th birthday. Ella was born August 18, 1913, the daughter of Frank and Louise Albus. She grew up on their farm near Carrington. She attended Valley City College and taught for several years in a one room schoolhouse. In 1933, she met and married Reuben Gerlitz of Goodrich, N.D. She remained in N.D. when he was called to active duty overseas They moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he practiced engineering for 25 years and where they raised their family. They were very active in the First Baptist Church there. They both taught Sunday School, and served on various boards; Ella directed many holiday programs, and was active in city-wide speaking and organizing interdenominational meetings and events. Perhaps her greatest challenge was her husband's very untimely death at 53 at the hands of a drunk driver. Her world, her faith, her joy, was destroyed. And yet, her inner strength, her utter fortitude slowly came through. Sometime later, she was hired as a house-mother at Wittenberg University in Springfield, giving her much pride and joy. Best of all, in her children's eyes, was her "Nature Crafts", collecting all manner of pine cones, sticks, dried berries, weeds, and combining them to make lovely framed pictures and the like. She sold them very cheaply at craft shows, When she moved back to N.D., she continued this work. This and her dear church family at Mandan United Methodist Church kept her in good stead for many years. For many, Ella is something of an unforgettable person -- a "character", if you will. Stubborn, feisty, strong-willed, caring, and "just special" somehow. We will dearly, dearly miss her. She is survived by 2 daughters, Coralie Gerlitz Hurst, of Tempe, AZ, and Ellen Marie Gerlitz, of Portland, Maine. Also are 2 nieces, Barbara Page of Carrington, and Kathy Wacholtz of Janesville, Wisconsin.
GRAVESIDE SERVICES: Carrington Cemetery, Carrington, ND DATE AND TIME: Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 11:00AM BURIAL: Carrington Cemetery |
Posted Condolences:
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Name: Alfred "Curley" Thomason family
Date: 6/18/2017
Message: Coralie and Ellen, we are sorry to hear of your mothers passing. She was a kind and always interesting person. Our Sympathy to you and your family.
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Name: Gail Gerlitz (Gustav & Elna's youngest child)
Date: June 14, 2017
Message: I send my condolences. It sounds like your mom lived an interesting life. I have fond memories from my youth of spending time with your family in Ohio! Please take care!
Gail Gerlitz
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Name: Carol Gerlitz
Date: 6/16/17
Message: Dear Coralie and Ellen,
I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. Ella was an amazing person, so determined--and I always enjoyed hearing from at Christmas. We'll all miss her.
Love,
Carol (Gust and Elna's daughter)
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Name: Sandy Shulz
Date: 6-15-17
Message: So sorry to hear about your mom. I enjoyed reading the obit about her. What a life she had and the changes she saw. My mom still puts out the "cone" Christmas tree and basket every year. My condolences are with all of you. Sandy (Waldo & Shirley's daughter)
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Name: Stanley Gerlitz, son of Ervin
Date: June 14th
Message: Sorry for your loss. My dad passed away on October 29 of last year. He was 89 and had colon cancer and heart difficulties. They both are with God.
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Name: Liz McKinnon
Date: 06/12/17
Message: Coralie and Ellen,
So sorry for the loss of your mom. John and I send our condolences and deepest sympathies to you both. Looking forward to seeing you when you return to Phoenix.
Love, Liz
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