Elda Tate's Obituary
Elda Tate, 94 of Alliance, passed on to eternity at 12:35 pm on Monday, January 6, 2025. She was born on December 2, 1930, to the late Henry A and Minnie R Lapp. She breathed her last, peacefully with her family at her bedside.
Elda met the love of her life, John M Tate when they were in High School and were married in 1950. Very shortly thereafter they celebrated their love with three wonderful daughters. Elda spent her younger years working for First National Bank and as a teacher’s aid. She retired as an Alliance City School Bus driver, having served the district well. She spent her retirement traveling and humbly serving her family, church, & community.
Elda was baptized as an infant and confirmed at a young age where she began her faith walk. She faithfully served various churches and church groups and participated in Emmaus walk #50. Elda played the marimba alongside her husband, vocalist John. She often traveled with friend Nancy Fugelberg and her late husband, Darrell, providing varied programming throughout the community. She and her husband, John, provided slide-show summaries of their various travels throughout Europe, the western United States, and to the Holy Land.
Elda participated in various Bible studies, card club, and enjoyed her extensive snowman collection. But her greatest joy was serving her family. She was always present in the lives of her children, grandchildren, & great-grandchildren.
The legacy she leaves behind are daughters Debra (Robert P II) Graham, Diane (Richard N) Dillon and Donna (Michael R) Smeltz. She was blessed by 7 grandchildren: Jessica L (Maurice) Frank, Melissa B (Joshua) Graham-Perkins, Robert J Graham, Revs. Katie A (Luke) Oskin, Joshua R (Lori) Dillon, Zachary M (Jessica) Smeltz, and Matthew J (Anna) Smeltz. In addition, she leaves behind 14 great-grandchildren.
Elda is preceded in death by her husband, John M Tate, parents Henry A and Minnie R Lapp, and siblings Doris Sahli, Carl and Richard Lapp, and Ethel Lapp Springer.
A memorial celebration will be held in Elda’s honor at 12:00 noon on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the First Baptist Church, Hubbard OH with the Rev. Katie Oskin and Rev. Luke Oskin officiating. The church will be open at 11:00 AM for the family to receive visitors. A meal will follow at Aldersgate Family Methodist Church at approximately 3:30.
Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to: First Baptist Church of Hubbard, 59 Orchard Ave, Hubbard, OH 44425 or to Aldersgate Family Methodist Church, 11394 Edison St., Alliance, OH 44601
You are invited to view Elda's tribute wall, offer condolences and share memories at www.sharerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are by the Sharer-Stirling-Skivolocke Funeral Home.
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