Ellis O. Bequeath

– Ellis O. Bequeath, 89, passed away peacefully at his son’s home in Mercer, PA Friday morning after a long struggle with Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and more recently, Lymphoma. Ellis was born Nov.19, 1918 in McDonald, the son of Harry and Rachel (Richards) Bequeath. He graduated from Mineral Ridge High School in 1937 and later from Central Bible College in Springfield, MO where he met his wife. He married Yolanda Schroeder April 28, 1944. Ellis served as Pastor of Summit Assembly of God in McDonald from 1943 - 45 and ministered as pastor and interim pastor in other churches. He was also an Ohio District Christ Ambassador director for Assembly of God youth in the 1950’s. He was employed at Lordstown Ordinance Depot until its closing in the 1950’s and then joined the U.S. Air Force Reserves in Vienna. He retired from the Vienna Air Base in 1983 after 35 years as the Management Procedures and Safety Officer. He was a member the National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) Chapter 2122 where he was treasurer and later president. Ellis also served as president of the Weathersfield Twp. Civics Club for many years and was happy to award scholarships from the organization to Girard High School seniors. He loved working on the family farm with his brothers and spending time with family. He also enjoyed both family and church gatherings and attending the Canfield Fair with his wife and children. Ellis loved people and had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome in any situation. He is survived by three children: Marilyn Bequeath of Howland, Juanita Bequeath of Youngstown, and Ronald Bequeath of Mercer, PA. He also leaves a brother Adam Bequeath of McDonald, two sisters: Charlotte Daniels of Champion and Eunice Richley of Youngstown, six grandchildren: Renee (Rev. Brian) Wallace of Gibsonia, PA, Tom Barfay, Ilana White, Ian, Laura, and Levi Bequeath, and one great grandson Andrew Wallace. He is also survived by 18 nieces and nephews and their children. Ellis is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, the former Yolanda Schroeder, who passed away May 24, 2006. He is also preceded in death by his parents and three brothers: Garfield who was killed in WWII, and Homer Bequeath and Russell Bequeath, both from McDonald. Friends may call from 6 – 8 pm Tues. Dec.18, 2007 and prior to the Funeral service at 11:00 Wednesday at Lane Funeral home, Mineral Ridge Chapel. In lieu of flowers, material contributions may be made to Highway Tabernacle Assembly of God Church, Youngstown, Ohio in Ellis’s name.