Elma Elizabeth Townsend

She was raised in a big family by Willis and Myrtle (Ennis) Galloway. There were a set of triplets who died in infancy but ten girls and two boys survived to adulthood. Her father owned and operated “Galloway’s Garage” to support the family and Elma worked right along with him as a regular mechanic. Elma loved nature and being outside, working in flower beds, and feeding the squirrels. Her favorite animal was the cat of which she owned and adopted different ones over the years. She was an avid “master” quilter having hand quilted over 100 quilts. All this was after was 65 years old. Her ability to sew and understand garment construction was astonishing.

She was preceded in death by six of her nine sisters: Cleo Crabtree Savercool, Eva Hoon

Reilly, Mildred Soellner, Billie Ashworth, Ann Feverbach, Nathalie Funke and two brothers, Willis and Lloyd Galloway; her husband, James Franklin died in 1972. Jim was a barber and ran a shop located at 8th & Main Street for many years. There were three sons born of that union. The first dying in infancy, the second, Donald Rae, age 8 and Dr. James W. Townsend. Dr. Townsend was one of the original faculty members of USI teaching Science and Biology. Dr. Townsend passed away January, 2011.

Elma is survived by her three sisters, Jean Beaty Cotton of Indianapolis, Shirley Foerster (Winston) of Evansville, and Janet Abney of Seymour, IN; and a sister-in-law, Judy Galloway of Dayton, OH; and Roy Fuereback, brother-in-law of Bellville, IL; grandson, Eric Townsend and his daughter, Cleo all of AR. The long awaited great granddaughter was born on Elma’s 93rd birthday. Also a daughter-in-law Elma claimed as a daughter, Jean (York) Townsend. There are many nieces and nephews who enjoyed going to Aunt Elma’s house, where they could always get a home cooked meal and hug.

Elma was a Charter member of Forest Hills Baptist Church and served in various capacities; always available to help in anyway where needed.

She was at Shane Uniform Company as a supervisor for many years. She also worked for Carhart, Hanson, KY, in the Engineering Department until she retired. After retirement she traveled many miles with friends and relatives and she would do all the driving. One year she participated in the Evansville Freedom Festival being part of the Queens Court. She was voted “Miss Congeniality” which fitted her perfectly!

Her family and friends celebrated her 90th birthday held at USI where at least 200 people attended. Yes, she was loved!

She was an inspiration to many people and will be greatly missed.

The family of Elma would like to thank the staff of Good Samaritan Pathways II for their loving care and compassion shown to Elma and as well as to her family during her stay there.

Funeral service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at Forest Hills Baptist Church, 2800 Hartmetz Avenue, officiated by Rev. Tyrone Edwards, with burial in Alexander Memorial Park. Friends may visit Monday, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Alexander West Chapel and Tuesday, from 10:00 AM until service time at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Forest Hills Baptist Church, 2800 Hartmetz Avenue, Evansville, Indiana 47712.