Elsie A. Blosser (1926-2012)

As I packed to visit my in-laws this Saturday, knowing that she had been sick for a while, I had some kind of premonition -- a stronge sense that we would be hearing the news shortly. And it seems most fitting for her to pass on a glorious Easter morning -- knowing how much she loved Grandpa, trusting in the hope of the Resurrection, the thought of them reunited.

RIP, Grandma Elsie. I will never forget your gentle spirit, your love of nature (the hummingbirds in the garden in particular), and of course your faithful holiday baking of your 'monster cookies' for your grandchildren.

Elsie Arlene Blosser was born April 6, 1922 in rural Parnell, Iowa the daughter of Albert and Leah (Yoder) Zook. She received her Bachelors Degree from Goshen College and received her Masters Degree from the University of Iowa. She taught second grade at Elkhart City Schools in Elkhart, Indiana for 9 years, and then moved to Iowa City where she taught preschool for seven years. She then moved to Wellman where she taught Kindergarten from 1964-1984 at Wellman Elementary. She was a member of the Wellman Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday School and Bible School, she served as Sunday School Superintendent and served on many committees.

On August 7, 1984 she was united in marriage to Eugene Blosser in Wellman. They traveled from coast to coast in the Untied States, they also visited Germany, China and Japan. Elsie volunteered at the Crowded Closet and delivered meals to the homebound. Elsie died on Sunday, April 8, 2012 at Parkview Manor in Wellman at the age of 90 years. Elsie is survived by a step son - Phil Blosser of Michigan; two step daughters - Rachel Derstine of Schwenksville, PA; Meiko Blosser of Seattle, WA; four nephews - Mel Bender of Kalona; Carl Bender of Wellman; Loran Bender of Cedar Rapids; Doug Bender of Willard, MO; and three nieces - Pat Bender of Iowa City; Rita Watkins of Arvada, CO; and Jane Clark of Iowa.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Eugene; two brothers Allen and Floyd Zook; and a sister Velma Bender. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at the Wellman Mennonite Church in Wellman. Pastor Nathan Ramer will officiate. Burial will be in the West Union Cemetery.