Eloise Sellers Obituary (1915 - 2016)

Eloise B. Sellers 100 Harrisonburg Eloise B. Sellers passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday morning at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation, where she had resided for the past two years. Eloise was born on September 17, 1915 in Mountain Valley in Rockingham County at the home of her maternal grandparents. She grew up on the family farm in Melrose, Virginia, and reminisced often about her childhood. She spoke of large country meals served to family and friends, of the social gatherings, harvest time, and attending school at the Melrose School. As a young adult, Eloise moved to Harrisonburg, where she began her employment career as a nanny. She also worked at many of the city's downtown restaurants, including the Kavanaugh Hotel and each of the establishments under the Friddles name. She met and became friends with many people during this time, and spoke of working in the downtown during World War II, watching the soldiers come and go, serving wedding breakfasts and dinners to newlyweds who were married before the groom left for war, and rejoicing and weeping at the daily war news. She said once that the day the war ended in Europe was one of the most exciting days she had ever witnessed. Eloise spoke fondly of the young men and women she met while working at Friddles, and how often she would "float" someone money for a Coke and a sandwich, and was proud to say that she was always paid back. In the late 1950's, Eloise moved to New Market, where she managed the restaurant at the newly-opened Return Motel. She remained there for a number of years, before returning to Harrisonburg. In the latter part of her career, Eloise was employed as a waitress at the Spotswood Country Club and the Holiday Inn. She managed the cafeteria at Shenandoah Poultry for a number of years, and ended her employment years at the Old Virginia Ham Cafe. She retired in 1988 to care for her ill sister. Eloise made many, many friends over the years and enjoyed all sorts of gatherings with them. She was an excellent cook, and delighted in feeding others. She will long be remembered for her Christmas goodies-fudge, homemade pralines, and "snacks." She always remembered birthdays. She was a faithful member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church in Harrisonburg for most of her adult life, and was a very devout woman, reading her Bible and devotions daily. Above all, Eloise was most devoted to her family. She doted on her great-nephew and great-niece from the time they were born. Both have many fond memories of days spent with Aunt Sellers, who loved them but also made them listen. Some of her greatest joys were meeting and spending time with her two great-great nieces, Ainsleigh and McKinley. During the last years of her life, Eloise often remarked that she had had a good life. She had everything she ever needed-a good family, jobs she enjoyed, friends that she could count on, and God by her side. Until the last several months of her life, she remained in good health, and her mind and wit were as sharp as ever. Eloise was preceded in death by her parents, David and Lena Higgs Sellers, her sister, Frances Sellers, brother Austin Sellers, and foster brother Orlan (Ord) Flick. She is survived by her nephew John Austin Sellers, his wife Jane (Morrison), her great nephew, John Austin Sellers Jr., his wife Heather (Lough), her great-niece Jillian Sellers Lilly and her husband Jordan, two great-great nieces, Ainsleigh Grace Lilly and McKinley Lynn Sellers, and a great-great nephew, Hunter James Lilly, all of Rockingham County. Eloise was the last Sellers to reside in the family home on Rt. 11 that was built by her forefathers in 1785. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 2 p.m. at Fellowship Community Cemetery adjacent to Fellowship United Methodist Church. The service will be conducted by Reverends Don Shull and Adam Blagg officiating. Per Eloise's request, there will be no visitation or family time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Otterbein United Methodist Church, 176 W. Market Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Arrangements are by McMullen Funeral Home, and online condolences may be made to the family at www.mcmullenfh.com.