Helen Marie Ely

Helen Marie Ely, 86, of Washington, died Monday, September 12, 2011, in Southmont of Presbyterian Senior Care. She was born January 7, 1925, in Fredericktown, a daughter of Arthur E. and Bertha Moore Lawrence. Mrs. Ely was a graduate of Beth Center High School and Washington Hospital School of Nursing. A registered nurse for 60 years, she worked as a visiting nurse and was last employed at McMurray Hills Manor. Mrs. Ely was a member of First Christian Church and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. On March 3, 1948, she married James Walter Ely, who died April 25, 1996. Surviving are a son, John William Ely of Washington; a daughter, Doris (Charles) Fairchild of Avella; five grandchildren, Amber Bentz, Jace Ely, Drew Ely, Kate Burge and Emily Fairchild; and four great-grandchildren, Elsie, Bridget, and Jude Ely and Lyla Burge. Deceased are a son, Lawrence E. Ely; two brothers, Kenneth Lawrence and Dr. Clinton M. Lawrence; and a sister, Kathryn L. Sorica. Friends will be received Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 395 East Maiden Street, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 15th. Burial will follow in Washington Cemetery.