Ellen M. Reesher

Ellen M. Reesher       “beloved mother, grandmother and friend” 

CERES, N.Y---Ellen M. “Granne” Reesher enjoyed over 80 years of remarkable health before the Lord ushered her into His presence on Wednesday, July 15, 2020. He shortened any suffering she might experience after the 3 years that she kicked cancer’s butt. 

     Born on Monday, May 15, 1933 in Olean, N.Y., she was the daughter of Hjalmar “Yum” and Bernice Green Anderson.  On December 19, 1953 in Olean, she married Francis O. Reesher, who predeceased her on February 24, 2015.

     Ellen was a graduate of Olean High School.  She then enjoyed her job as a receptionist/switchboard operator at the former Olean Tile company, which afforded her the opportunity to buy her first brand new car off the showroom floor. A devoted housewife and mother, she chose to stay at home to raise her family of five children and kept a tidy and organized household in a way unparalleled by many of her friends, according to their own testimony. Apparently she could serve breakfast, get her daily baking done, polish the baby shoes, iron her husband‘s work clothes including socks and hankies, clean the entire house and be out to soak up some sun before her girlfriends were even out of bed!

      When her youngest was a high school senior in 1984, she became the library aide at “ the home of the Bulldogs” where she enjoyed the company of her coworkers and she was a friend to so many of the students, especially those who needed one the most. Before she retired in 2011, the senior class dedicated their yearbook in her honor.

       She took great pride in caring for her lawn and flower gardens, and  at least a couple of times a week she could be seen riding her lawnmower or out blowing every last blade of grass off of her driveway.  She adored her faithful and true circle of amazing lady friends who gathered often to play cards, go out for fish fries, take a ride for ice cream or even take vacations together.  She was a woman of  faith, grace and thoughtfulness. If it was your birthday or a holiday or even if you had just been on her mind, you probably received a card from her. Many of us would not have known that in high school, Ellen received an award for sharpshooting. Later, between band trips and going to parades and sporting events, she  and her husband enjoyed motorcycle riding with some of their friends.

     Left to cherish her memory are three children, Lynda L Herne of Riverview, Florida, Kirk A. (Yvonne) Reesher of Bolivar, and Shae E. Smith of Bolivar; eight grandchildren- Heidi, Josiah, Shaena, JoHanna, Shaeleigh, Kiernan, Keldon, and Jayden; eleven great-grandchildren  - Raegan, Mykayla, Makenna, Unique, Elijah, Isaiah, Demius, Samyrah, Sabre, Lillian, and Grayson; a great-great-granddaughter, Naomi; several nieces and nephews, including her favorite nephew, Jim Goodrich; and a host of many faithful friends.
     In addition to her parents and husband, Ellen was predeceased by two sons, Richard J. Reesher and David F. Reesher; and two sisters, Marjorie Goodrich and Dorothy Swartz.    

    The family will hold a celebration of life service at Ellen’s home at 9450 Route 417 W. in Ceres, New York on Sunday, August 2, 2020 at 2 PM. The service will be officiated by Pastor David W. Herne, who has been like a son to her and  has been a help, support, and encouragement through all  life’s peaks and valleys.

     Burial will be in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Bolivar.  

     Flowers are gratefully declined.  Memorials in Ellen’s name may be made to Heritage Aflame  Ministries,  198 Salt Rising Road, Bolivar, New York 14715.

     Ellen’s family has entrusted her care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse, Pa.

   To express condolences or share a fond memory of Ellen, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhom.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.