Amanda L. Ellis (maiden name Whittinghill)
Courtesy of  Cindy Ellis

Amanda L. Ellis
Springs Valley Herald, French Lick, Indiana
In the Church News section
Obituary

Again we are made to realize that life is uncertain and death is sure, as we come into this sanctuary this afternoon to pay our respects to our loved one and friend, who believed in the words of the Psalmist who said, "God is our refuge and strength in time of trouble. There fore we will not fear, though the earth be removed, and the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea."
Amanda Louisa Whittinghill was born January 4, 1882, at Hillham, Indiana, to Dr. Benjamin F. and Matilda Weller Whittinghill, and departed from this life on January 26, 1959, at the age of 77 years and 22 days.
In the year of 1901, she was united in marriage to Thomas G. Ellis, who was well known in this county. To this union were born six children, four of whom have preceded her in death--Lawrence and Enid in infancy, Vivian Ellis Howard in 1944, and Arnold G. Ellis in 1956. Surviving are a daughter, Rose Evelyn Ellis, and a son, Frank A. Ellis, both of Indianapolis; a son-in-law, Vane R. Howard, Hammond, Indiana, and two daughters-in-law, Elizabeth Ellis, Indianapolis, and Kathleen Ellis, West Baden, Indiana, and one sister, Sophia J. Ellis, Cuzco, Ind.; one brother, J. Logan Whittinghill of Ellsworth, Ind.; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews.
Mr. and Mrs. Ellis lived several years each in French Lick and Paoli, while Mr. Ellis was engaged in the business field and serving as a county official. In 1933, they and son Arnold and family, moved to a farm near Ames Chapel. Their home was known for its hospitality and a welcome was always extended to neighbors and friends. It is in this home that the companion passed away in 1947, but after his passing Mrs. Ellis stayed in the home which she shared with her daughter, Rose. It seemed she had borne a great deal of suffering in the loss of the different members of her family, but she seldom complained and still held to the Master's hand for strength and faith to carry on. Then in 1956, the family was dealt another loss in the passing of Arnold, upon whom she had depended so greatly after the death of the companion. For the last two and one half years, she had made her home with Rose, where she departed from this earth to her heavenly reward.
In 1944, she became a member of the Ames Chapel Methodist Church. To the church and the community, she was known as Mom Ellis, and was always ready to serve her fellowman in any way she could, and until she moved to Indianapolis, she served as an officer in the Women's Society of Christian Service and as a part time Sunday School teacher. After moving from this community, she established herself in a church nearby her home, and as late as last Sunday enjoyed being in God's house for worship. She also was oldest member of the French Lick Order of Eastern Star, having received a fifty year membership pin several years ago.
We will always remember Mom Ellis as a quiet and loving person sitting at her desk reading good books and magazines, and in so doing stored a wealth of knowledge, which she passed on to others. The youth in the church looked forward to her entertaining them in special programs, with readings and recitations, which she could so ably render. She lived a common life, but nature was one of her greatest interests and she spent many happy hours working among the flowers in her garden. And we all realize that when we walk and work in the great out doors, we learn to appreciate to the fullest extent, the many wonders God has given us to enjoy. And so it was with Mom, for as she walked and talked with Him, she saw the beauty of the Sunrise and Sunset, heard the song of the birds of the air, and felt the wind as it gently brushed her face.
There was a great love for music in her heart, and she knew a great deal about it, and her children were given the opportunity to accomplish much in the field of music and their accomplishment meant so much to her.
So let us not question the wisdom of the Master, when He quietly and tenderly called our loved one from us. It was as she would have wished it to have been, and her Father in Heaven knows she was ready to answer His gentle knock upon her door and to hear His invitation to step from this earth, across the threshold into Heaven. And we believe if we could hear words from her lips, she would say, "It is good for me to draw near to God, for I have put all my trust in Him."
Her life has been a good life and a challenge to us all to walk a little closer to the One who knows best and whose love passeth all understanding.
CARD OF THANKS
We sincerely appreciate the sympathy and kindness extended us by all the relatives, neighbors and friends at the passing of our dear mother, Amanda L. Ellis. We also express our thanks for the many floral tributes, food and assistance so freely given. Especially we thank the Rev. Lester Sweeney, the organist, pall bearers, Rev. Blasdell and the congregation at Ames Chapel as well as the Schmutzler Funeral Home for their sympathetic help and services, and all who assisted in any way.
The Family