Ellen L. Harding

Mrs. Harding graduated from Warrior High School in 1926; earned a bachelor’s degree from Alabama Women’s College; a master’s from The University of Alabama; and completed further graduate studies at Cornell University in New York. She served as a lieutenant in the Women’s Army Air Corp during and after World War II. She taught science and home economics at Leeds High School for 40 years, was selected Leeds’ Business and Professional Woman of the Year, and was a member of First Methodist Church in Leeds. An artist, gardener, culinary expert, seamstress, and model of character and generosity, Mrs. Harding spent her retirement making the world she loved to travel a more beautiful place.

She maintained that God had richly blessed her life. She was, in turn, a blessing to all who knew her.

Mrs. Harding was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Harding, Sr.; parents, William Thomas and Portia Terry Launius; brother John Jeptha Launius, sister-in-law Carmen Mayfield Launius; and son, George Harding, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Penny Harding of Leeds, grandchildren Edward (Sara), Bubba (Cathy) and Billy (Linda) Harding, great grandchildren Ted (Emily) and Stephen (Kelly) Harding and Elizabeth (Evan) Keller, 6 great, great grandchildren, a nephew, John Jeptha (Diane) Launius, Jr., niece Pat Launius (Richard) Federinko, , grand nephews John Houston Launius and Chase Jenkins, grand nieces Sandy Launius (Terry) Mann, Portia Ellen Newton, Skye Jenkins and 6 great-grand nephews.

Mrs. Harding shared her final years with Mrs. Keller and her great, great, grandchildren, Sidney, Hudson and Reese. Devoted friend Peggy Baxter and caregiver Lynne Windham helped make that time safe and enjoyable.

Mrs. Harding’s family will receive visitors at Kilgore Memorial in Leeds on Friday, February 3 from 12:00-2:00 with a funeral service at 2:00. She will be interred with her husband at Cedar Grove cemetery in a private graveside ceremony for the family.

Visit online at www.kilgroefuneralhome.com

Kilgroe Funeral Home, Leeds directing.