Landis, Ella Selzer (1882-1961)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1961 Apr 6 p. 8

Birth date: 1882 Aug 20

text of obituary:

MRS. ELLA LANDIS

Ella (Selzer) Landis, daughter of Henry and Ann Bitikofer Selzer, was born in Holmes County, Ohio on August 20, 1882. She passed away at the McPherson County Hospital in McPherson, Kansas on March 8, 1961 at the age of 78 years, six months, and 16 days.

Although she had not been strong for the past several years, her death was unexpected.

She came to Kansas with her parents as a child and spent the remainder of her life in the Spring Valley community. On April 28, 1907, she was married to William S. Landis at the home of her parents, and came to the farm where she had since made her home. He preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 1946.

Into this home were taken six children, two boys and four girls. The following mourn her departure: Dorothy and Vernon Allison, Longford, Kansas; Dollie and Elba Hershberger, Harrisonville, Mo.; Harold of the home; Freddie and Oshia of Midland, Texas; Rhoda and Wiley Taylor, Iuka, Kansas; Florence and Walter Mowery, Hallam, Neb.

Also surviving are three brothers, Alvin Selzer, of Protection, Kansas, John Selzer of Canal Winchester, Ohio, Edward Selzer of Canton, Kan.; one sister, Mrs. Mallissa [sic Melissa] Gard of Canton; and 14 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by one brother, Monroe, and one sister, Amanda (Mrs. Harry Diener).

When she became dissatisfied with her plans for an eternal home she accepted Christ as her Saviour. She sealed her vows with water baptism and united with the Spring Valley Mennonite Church. Her concern for and interest in the church was manifest in her willingness to participate in church activities. She always appreciated music and enjoyed singing.

Children were always welcome in her home. This was indicated by the number of children that spent time in their home before their children made their home with them. In her later years there was no time when she was happier than when her grandchildren would come home and she could express her love to them.

Funeral services were held at the Spring Valley Mennonite Church on March 11, 1961, at 2:00 p.m. in charge of the pastor, Rollin Yoder. Interment was in the adjoining cemetery.