The Life of Ora Mae Ely
Ora Mae (Wilson) Ely, 91, formerly of Topton; Franklin, Venango, County; Allentown; and Brunswick, OH; died Thursday, October 21, 2021, in Keystone Villa at Fleetwood, Maidencreek Township, where she resided since 2018. She is the widow of Ralph H. Ely, who died November 15, 2012. They were married 64 years at the time of Ralph's death. Born in Emlenton, Venango County, Ora Mae was a daughter of the late Fred L. and Doretha A. (Bole) Wilson. She was a member of Christ (DeLong) United Church of Christ, Bowers.
Ora Mae was a graduate of Emlenton High School, Class of 1947 and Franklin Business School, Class of 1948. From 1966 until 1980 she was employed as a Library Clerk for the Parkland School District, Orefield. During her many years in Topton, she proudly recorded the historical information in the funeral home record books for Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc.
Ora Mae enjoyed knitting, crocheting, counted cross stitching, and always had a book nearby. But most important to Ora Mae was her family. She enjoyed spending time and talking to others about them.
Ora Mae is survived by a daughter, Vera Lee (Ely), wife of James H. Frederick, Millsboro, DE, sons, Fred C., husband of Cheryl A. (Trexler) Ely, Warrenton, VA, and Mark C. Ely, Shippensburg. Other survivors include, a sister, Freda E. (Wilson), wife of John F. Sharpe, Holiday, FL; five grandchildren, James M., husband of Shannon N. (Kratz) Frederick, Telford, PA, Jonathan C., husband of Kathryn B. (Grant) Frederick, Medford, MA, Fred C. Ely, Roanoke, VA, Allison A. Ely, Warrenton, VA, and Kimberly A. (Ely), wife of Mitchell G. Harvey, Christiansburg, VA, and seven great grandchildren, Joshua C. Frederick, Rivers J. Kurtz - Ely, Danica R. Frederick, Owen J. Frederick, Grady S. Frederick, Emmet G. Frederick, and Aliza A. Harvey.
A Funeral Service to celebrate the life of Ora Mae Ely will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. from Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., 25 East Weis Street, Topton, with The Reverend Arthur L. Hahn, officiating. Interment in Union Cemetery of Bowers. Relatives and Friends are invited to a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to Christ (DeLong) United Church of Christ, P. O. Box 99, Bowers, PA 19511-0099.
Click to View Memoral Tribute Video For Ora Mae Ely
Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.
Filter Ora Mae Ely's Timeline by the following Memory Categories
2021.10.23
Sitting in her Kitchen
Ora Mae was my neighbor. I often visited her after her husband passed and sat in her kitchen and just visited and listen to her stories. I would help her dress her American dolls. She and Butch were the best neighbors. They helped us so much when we were building. I'm going to miss her so much.
2021.10.26
Deep Condolences to Fred, Mark & Family
When Fred & I rode our bikes (Schwinn) from Allentown to Mrs. Ely's parents in Vernango County, she had the accomplishment published in the Morning Call: "2 Travel 750 Miles On Bikes". She & her family supported her son's adventures, keeping in touch with mine regarding any updates. Nice to see she raised such a great family including many grandchildren & great grandchildren. I enjoyed visiting with your parents Mr. & Mrs. Wilson in Emlenton. Now you will be with them again. Rest in peace Mrs. Ely.
2021.10.26
Cousin Ora Mae
We were sadden to read of Aunt OraMae's passing. I always enjoyed the family get togethers and their visits to my parents - Jim & Hazel Wilson's house. My sister Barb Hillard was the one who used to keep in touch with Ora Mae. She has been in a home the past few years - she has dementia/Alzheimer's. My sister Marilyn passed away in March of this year. Sadly as we age and generations pass away our family connections grow farther apart. Know that our deepest sympathies are with your family.
Bill & Janice Wilson
2021.10.26
Aunt
Could you please change my memory to say cousin instead of aunt - so sorry for the mistake.
2021.10.27
Our Mother's Dear Friend
Dear Ely Family,
We send our heartfelt sympathy, love, and blessings to your entire family. Ora Mae was a special person, very pleasant, kind, and caring. She and my mother, Mildred shared many good and happy times at Keystone Villa attending special events, eating their meals together, and numerous hours working on jigsaw puzzles. It was a pleasure for my siblings and me to know Ora Mae and we're glad she and my mom had each other and that they became good friends. She will be greatly missed.
Recently when my mom, my husband, and I visited Ora Mae she told us the names of everyone on the many photos in her room plus a few stories of her past. Her mind was sharp and it was sad to say goodbye. I know our mother will miss her dear friend, Ora Mae. She holds a special place in our hearts.
Eternal rest and peace Ora Mae. May your light forever shine in heaven. Godspeed.
Sarah Keller Burkert