Grace JoAnn Ely, 88, of Ragersville, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 at the Truman House in New Philadelphia after a short period of declining health.
She was born in Ragersville on August 7, 1933 to the late Hugh and Frances (Carson) Bissell and married Dennis Ely on May 30, 1953. They celebrated 56 years together before he passed on January 10, 2009.
Grace had worked for Alsco. She retired from Garaway Schools Cafeteria, where she worked for 25 years.
She was a member of the Ragersville Zion United Church of Christ. Grace and Dennis were members of both the Swiss Wheelers and Buckeye Bacon Burners Camping Clubs. They traveled all over the US, to all but three states and three of the Canadian Providences.
She is survived by her three daughters, Anita (Darrell) Osborne of West Lafayette, Jo Ely of Dover and Denise Ely of Sugarcreek; a grandson, Nick Osborne; a great grandson; her brother, Wayne (Bessie) Bissell of Dover; several nieces and nephews; and close personal friend Janie Yakley and her family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and three brothers, Robert (June) Sweebe, George (Vivian) Sweebe, and Delbert (Yvonne) Sweebe.
Services will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 12:00 PM (Noon) at Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek with Pastors Bonnie Gerber and A. Bruce Haltom officiating. Burial will follow in the Ragersville Cemetery. Friends may call on Friday from 10-12 at the funeral home prior to her services.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of DaVita Dialysis Center and the Truman House for the excellent care given to their Mom.
Memorials in Grace’s memory may be made to either Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or The Kidney Foundation.
To send flowers to the family of Grace J. Ely please visit our Tribute Store.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com