Obituary of Ellie Wiggins

Mary Elnora “Ellie” Wiggins, 89, passed away peacefully on the evening of January 14, 2021 after a long battle with Alzheimer's, hastened by Covid-19. She was born August 8, 1931 in Newark, OH to Earl and Mary Reed. Ellie will be remembered by family and friends as a strong, intelligent, and deeply devoted woman. She left us with a lifetime of memories, and we will miss her every day. In addition to relief of the pain and suffering of this horrible disease, she is now reunited with the love of her life, Jack Wiggins, who preceded her in death in 2011. The two met as teenagers, and married in 1950, spending 61 years growing a home full of love and laughter together. She is survived by her daughters Debbie (Gary) Bernauer and Linda (Ken) Nickson; son Bill (Mary Jo) Wiggins; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her great-grandchild, John Luke Wiggins, as well as her close friend and companion, Bob Bodeker. Ellie loved children. She was a committed mother first and foremost, and adored her role as Grandma, Bubbie, and Gigi. A woman ahead of her time, she excelled both in the home and professionally. Her love for children drove her to work as a teacher, guidance counselor, and finally principal with the Kent City Schools. She retired in 1992. She was a member of the First Christian Church of Stow, Phi Delta Kappa, Delta Kappa Gamma (Theta Chapter), and the OEA. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday August 7, at First Christian Church of Stow, 3493 Darrow Rd., Stow, OH 44224. Friends may call from 11 AM to service time. In lieu of flowers, Ellie asked that you take a friend to lunch or dinner (when it’s safe) and tell them the things we often think of only after someone is gone. If you wish, memorials may be made to The GriefCare Place, 4499 Darrow Road, Stow 44224, where Ellie co-authored a grief curriculum for children, and worked with children experiencing loss, or to First Christian Church of Stow, 3493 Darrow Rd., Stow 44224. For those who loved me, assisted me, cared for me, laughed with me, I was blessed beyond measure by knowing all of you.