Louella S. Oberly, 93, of Epworth Manor, Tyrone, formerly of Bellwood, died peacefully Tuesday morning.
She was born in Juniata, daughter of the late John A. and Mary Alice (Frantz) Shartle. She married George Oberly, who died on June 14, 2005.
Louella, known as Ellie, is survived by her daughter, Alexandra "Sandy" Johnson and husband, Randall; her grandson, Randall Johnson Jr. and wife, Tina; and her beloved great-grandson, Andrew. She is also survived by her sister, Joan D. Russell; seven nieces; and four nephews.
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Oberly
She was preceded in death by two brothers: Alvin and Robert Shartle; and four sisters: Gertrude Shartle, Mildred Shartle, Virginia Smith and Kathryn Gionfreddo.
Ellie graduated from Altoona High School in 1937 and was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bellwood, where she was a sacristan for more than 45 years. She was a devout Catholic who prayed the rosary every day and encouraged others to do the same.
She loved reading and crossword puzzles, and she was an avid sports fan and especially enjoyed cheering for the Pittsburgh Pirates. She loved spending time with her family, who affectionately called her Baa, G.G.Baa (Great-Grandmother Baa) and Aunt Oodie. She loved attending family birthday parties and religious sacraments and always looked forward to Sunday dinners with her niece, Cathy DelGrosso and her family. She enjoyed visits from her great-great-nieces, Sofia and Ellie, and one of her proudest moments was introducing her namesake, Ellie Kauffman, to all of her friends. She lovingly called her "Little E." She treasured her visits to Pittsburgh to spend time with her great-grandson, Andrew, and she attended his sporting events, Cub Scout ceremonies and school activities. She attended Hero Day at Andrew's school, and he was proud to present her to the class as his hero.
Ellie just celebrated her 93rd birthday in November with her family. When asked her advice to live to be 93, she said, "Take one day at a time and always do your best."
Friends will be received from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013, at Jon C. Russin Funeral Home, Bellwood, where a vigil for the deceased will be held. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 14, 2013, at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Bellwood, the Rev. Father David H. Roesch as celebrant. Committal will be at Logan Valley Cemetery, Bellwood.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Bellwood.
