Obituary for Elva Einsel

Condolence From: Susan & Jim Vagnier, Westerville, OH
Condolence: Dear Mom,

We are so thankful you have been part of our lives.

And we also just wanted to preserve the "Westerville" version of your obituary here, for posterity's sake. Much love, and we will look forward to seeing you on the other side, "One fine morning, when this life is over"

***** Obituary of 5/27/2018 *****

Elva Einsel, age almost 90--devoted wife of Dave for over 50 years, beloved mom, grandma and great-grandma—is now rejoicing with Jesus and reunited with family and friends in heaven, where there is no dementia or mobility limitation or pain or sickness. She left peacefully for heaven at 3:33 pm on 5/23/2018, to the sounds of hymns and holding the hands of her daughters. We sorrow at her parting, but rejoice that we will meet again one day with the Lord.

Born and raised in Brightwood, Virginia, educated at Bridgewater College and the University of Virginia, married at the University of Virginia, she moved 19 times as an Army wife until she and Dave retired in Tiffin, Ohio. She relocated to Westerville, Ohio after being widowed.

Elva’s life career has included teaching thousands of students how to read well over her 23 years as a reading/English specialist, secretarial work at the Pentagon for 8 years, and serving as church secretary at Ebenezer United Methodist church in Tiffin Ohio until she was in her mid-70’s. Through all this time, she also faithfully supported Dave’s military and civic career in every way. She has enjoyed a love of gardening and growing plants, with at one time over 160 plants flourishing in her home in Tiffin, some of which were handed down from her own mother. True to her Germanic roots, she long maintained a love of sweeping, and worked hard to keep her driveway clear of walnuts, twigs and leaves—even into her 80’s, to the consternation of her children.

She has continually enjoyed church involvement until she was unable to travel to church. She also loved being part of the Westerville senior center, especially playing bridge, in exercise classes, and as part of the Silvertones choir. She made new friends at the Adena senior center in New Albany and loved being part of the group activities there.

Elva was happily married to Dave for over 50 years, loyal to the “always & forever” theme of their vows. She and Dave met on a 9-way blind date and were married at the chapel at University of Virginia in 1956. Since Dave’s death in 2006, she has continued to keep his memory alive in Tiffin and beyond. She published his 3-volume memoirs, “From Farm to Major General,” which has been a family best-seller. She helped to establish his presence in the Seneca County historical museum, in tribute to his service to our country. While living in the Washington, DC area, she was proud to serve the military as an Arlington Lady

Elva has modeled dedication to her husband, family, country, and church. She has worked hard and has been faithful to her commitments. She has maintained a sunny southern hospitality even when transplanted to Yankee territory. She has been a joy and breath of bright sunshine to all who have met her. Her grandkids & great grandkids have made her smile. She has enjoyed many happy hours of Lawrence Welk & I Love Lucy shows, along with watching Ohio State football games.

Special thanks to all her Christmas card friends & family who have sent greetings over the years, to friends & dear neighbors from Westerville and Tiffin, to compassionate nurses and home health workers with OhioHealth hospice, & to Dr Laurie Gossard—who all have tremendously helped to support and encourage her over the recent years.

Until heaven, she leaves behind her family of loved ones—Susan & Jim Vagnier, Mary & Brian Kost, Brian & Danielle Kost & Brian III, Janelle & Steve Dethloff, Julia Kost, Renae & Matthew Bumpus & Aquila & Zebedee. She will miss Jack the big white cat, who reminded her of Snowball, her own cat from the Tiffin family farm.

We will celebrate her life in Westerville at HILL FUNERAL HOME, Westerville on Tuesday 5/29/18 from 4 to 6:30 with services at 6:30 pm, and at a future date for her burial at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband, MG David W Einsel, Jr.

In lieu of flowers (although she loves flowers, thanks to her green thumb, we have inherited quite a few plants), she would be honored by donations in her name to Church of the Messiah in Westerville Ohio, OhioHealth hospice, or to a cause which supports the US military.

Condolence From: Holly McDaniel, Columbus, OHIO
Condolence: Elva Einsel was a sweet lady. I had the honor and opportunity to interact with her when she attended our center at ADENA in New Albany. She enjoyed the clients and especially enjoyed singing on Thursdays when Georgia came to play the piano. She enjoyed noodle ball and scoop ball. Sometimes when she wasn't looking we'd scoop the ball and it would land in her milk jug and she'd just laugh.Her laugh was infectious.

Condolence From: Jan Shiflett, Brightwood, VA
Condolence: A great lady has left this earth. But, she is in God's presence now and at peace. I look forward to seeing her again in the future in heaven.

Condolence From: Billy and Pauline Clatterbuck, Brightwood, VA
Condolence: We are remembering a dear and special lady, Elva. We shall always cherish her and her family. God has received another Angel into His Kingdom. God granted her many years of happiness, surrounded by a loving and loyal family.

Condolence From: Raymond Beaumier, Columbus, OH
Condolence: My condolences to all the family and friends of Elva. I will remember her infectious joyous laughter as we would celebrate another score or victory for the Buckeyes in the many games we watched together over the years.