Reta Leininger Ellison

Reta Ann Leininger Ellison, 76, of W. Cook Rd. died Tuesday November 11, 2003 at MedCentral Mansfield Hospital after a brief illness. Reta was born July 22, 1927 in Ashland, Ohio the daughter of the late Earl and Ruth Raubenolt Leininger. She was a 1945 graduate of Madison High School and a retired employee of 25 years of the Mansfield Telephone Co. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, her whole life was devoted to church, family and Madison Schools. She was an avid and loyal sports fan and supporter of Madison High School girls' and boys' athletics, a volunteer tutor for the Ohio Reads Program at Madison South Elementary School, and an active member throughout her life of the First English Lutheran Church.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ray, whom she met in high school and married on March 28, 1948; four children, James M. of Wheeling, W. Va., Susan K. James Rice of Toledo, David R. Debora of Westerville, and Larry A. Kathy Howell of Mission, TX.; eleven grandchildren,, Nicholas and Ann Marie Ellison, Jonathan and Jeffrey Rice, Bethany and Patrick Ellison, and Christopher Howell, Karen Cortez, Michael Howell, Dana Cook, and Johnny Ray Howell; a sister, June Trease; and a brother, David Leininger. She was preceded in death by her parents and her aunt, Mabel Wiseley.

A memorial service will be held Saturday November 15, 2003 at 11:00 a.m. at the First English Lutheran Church 53 Park Ave. West. Internment will be in the church columbarium. Friends will be received by the family one-hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to First English Lutheran Church designated for the Vision Millennium Building Fund or the Funeral Dinner Fund. 'The Lord is my Shepherd; I have everything I need.' Psalm 23:1. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors assisted the family with arrangements.