Ina M. (Church) Elliot, 91, of Brethren Village, Lancaster, PA passed away on August 9, 2015 at Heart of Lancaster Regional Medical Center after suffering a stroke a week earlier. Born on March 14, 1924 in McMechen, WV, she was the daughter of the late William French Church and Ethel Leota (Prettyman) Church. Her beloved husband of 68 years, William “Bill” D. Elliot, died on May 15, 2015.
Ina grew up in West Virginia and western Pennsylvania. She and Bill met while he was stationed in Pennsylvania before being shipped to Germany during World War II. They were married in New York City in December, 1946. They lived on Long Island, New York until moving to Lancaster in 1987. In 1998, she and Bill moved to Brethren Village where they enjoyed many activities. Ina facilitated the Brethren Village Life Story Writing Group for many years up until her death. She passionately recruited new group members and encouraged others to write their life stories as a gift and legacy for their children and future generations.
Ina was a member of First United Methodist Church and was involved in the Stephen Ministry program for a number of years. She was on the local advisory board for the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Committee and active in local Twelve-step Programs.
A lover of the outdoors and nature, Ina actively supported environmental awareness at Brethren Village. She supported the use of native plantings and was instrumental in the development of two innovative pollinator meadows at Brethren Village, which have been enjoyed by many. In earlier years, Ina maintained a large vegetable garden and loved to grow flowers.
Despite her 91 years, she was active and living independently. An avid reader, Ina never tired of learning new things. A healthful lifestyle, including good nutrition and healthy eating were very important to her. She loved to walk and exercise. She attended the Qi Gong group at Brethren Village and included Qi Gong as a regular part of her exercise regimen. Highly intelligent, her mind was crystal clear until suffering the stroke. Ina was a very strong person, persevering and bouncing back through many trials, including having diphtheria as a child, losing her own mother when Ina was just 9 years old, having double knee replacement surgery at age 84, and a hip fracture and replacement in December of last year.
Ina and Bill were wonderful dancers throughout their life together and did everything from the jitterbug to square dancing. They took part in a square dancing group and enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing pool, and boating together for many years. An accomplished seamstress, Ina sewed for her entire adult life, including making her daughters’ clothing when they were young. Ina enjoyed oil painting for several years after moving to Lancaster and produced a number of pieces cherished by her family.
Ina was a very caring person, a loyal and loving friend to many. She laughed a lot, and was known for her hugs. Ina was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother for whom there was no greater joy than time spent with her family. Surviving are two daughters: Barbara A. Elliot, Ph.D. of Wayne, PA and Elaine (Scott) Post of Trinity, FL; and three grandchildren: Rebecca, Adam (Nicole) and Jennifer (David). She was predeceased by her brother, William R. Church and her sister, Edith L. Fennick.Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial service in the Chapel of Brethren Village, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA on Saturday, October 3 at 2 pm with Rev. Kerry Leeper officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at a reception following the memorial service. Private interment will take place at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ina’s memory may be sent to the Brethren Village Benevolent Fund, 3001 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, PA 17606
Larry & Donna Kumjian
August 15, 2015 at 1:31 pmOur deepest condolences on the loss of your mom.
K. Beam
August 16, 2015 at 7:16 amDear Barbara, Elaine and family,
Blessings as you celebrate the life of your Mother, she lived an active life at Brethren Village and made a real contribution to the community. May you find comfort during the difficult days ahead.
Ken Beam
Kathleen King
August 16, 2015 at 3:34 pmFor several years your mother and I went to Community Concert series together. We talked about writing and life and I was always so impressed by her vibrant and vivid passion for living and her strong belief in the dignity of the person. She was a blessing to every life she touched.
Most sincerely,
Kathleen King
Jack and Beverly Enco
August 16, 2015 at 4:55 pmWe came to know Ina through the 12 step program. She shared with us her warmth and insights on a regular basis. Her smile and caring for others made her even more special. Her encouragement led to my serving two terms on the Lancaster County Drug And Alcohol Advisory board.
Sherrie Erisman
August 17, 2015 at 1:12 pmDear Barbara and Elaine,
Hal and I are so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Ina and Bill were so kind to my parents, Amelia and Gil Bordeaux. Your mom continued to visit my mother after my father died. That meant a lot to my mother and to me.
Loss of a mother is especially difficult. Know that she is at peace now. You are in our prayers.
Sherrie and Hal Erisman
Valerie Metcalfe
August 18, 2015 at 9:52 amDear Barbara , Elaine & all the family,
I am truly shocked. I have corresponded with Ina for very many years and always loved seeing her name in my inbox.
We chatted by letter and then by email about many many things , she was warm, loving and so interested in the world around her. but above all she loved her Bill and all their family.
We were First Cousins Once Removed, my grandmother Elizabeth Wilson Douglas and Kitty Wilson Eliot, Bill`s Mum were sisters. She loved hearing about the Elliot and Wilson family from days gone by here in Northumberland and of World Events and the events of her daily life .
Her last email on July 27th was how thrilled she was about the Hot Air Balloons over Lancaster.
I will miss her very very much. My condolences to you all in your loss.
She and Bill didn`t wait to long to be reunited.
Val Metcalfe
Carol McClenahan & Vivian Menning
August 20, 2015 at 10:44 amDear Barbara and Elaine,
I was very shocked and also saddened to receive your email about your mom. She was my mom’s best friend in high school, and they maintained that friendship by keeping in touch for many years. Even though I couldn’t tell you how long it’s been since I actually saw her (other than photos from my mom), I feel as if I’ve known her for a long, long time. She was so kind to initiate contact with me when she became concerned about mom’s conversations with her. Since Mom moved from home to a facility, I’ve tried to keep in touch and let her know the latest on Mom’s condition, dementia.
You have our sincere sympathy. Mom and Dad’s parents all passed away within a few months of each other, too. My heart goes out to both of you.
Sincerely,
Carol and Vivian
Carol McClenahan & Vivian Menning
August 20, 2015 at 10:44 amDear Barbara and Elaine,
I was very shocked and also saddened to receive your email about your mom. She was my mom’s best friend in high school, and they maintained that friendship by keeping in touch for many years. Even though I couldn’t tell you how long it’s been since I actually saw her (other than photos from my mom), I feel as if I’ve known her for a long, long time. She was so kind to initiate contact with me when she became concerned about mom’s conversations with her. Since Mom moved from home to a facility, I’ve tried to keep in touch and let her know the latest on Mom’s condition, dementia.
You have our sincere sympathy. Mom and Dad’s parents all passed away within a few months of each other, too. My heart goes out to both of you.
Sincerely,
Carol and Vivian
Babe Quintrall
August 25, 2015 at 11:33 amI am sorry for the loss of your dear Ina. May the “God of all comfort” embrace you and bring to your minds joyful memories. 2 Corinthians 1:3 – All the best wishes for your family at this time.
Debra L Forry
August 28, 2015 at 12:42 pmDear Barbara, Elaine & Family
It was a shock for me to open this e-mail. I am always excited to see her name in my correspandence. She always had something to brighten your day and make you think. When I first started Al*#*# she was a guide to help me partisipate in life again. I will miss this light God shared with me for the last 15 years. I know she is with our lord . A small part of her will always be with me so she is not truly gone as she has a place in my heart. I am truly greatful for haveing known her. I hope hearing of the love people have for her eases your greif in some small way. God bless and keep you in his care. Deb F.
Lisa Starr
September 29, 2015 at 12:51 pmYour mother was a wonderful lady. I had the privilege of learning to know her through her volunteer work on the advisory board of the Lancaster County Drug and Alcohol Commission. Her contributions to our community will be remembered and appreciated by many.