Ellen Marcella Atha

Ellen Marcella Atha, of Elkins, was born March 5, 1927 and went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 7, 2017. She was born in Kansas to Ted and Linnia O'Neal. She moved to the Hazel Valley area at the age of three, then to the Elkins area as a teenager. Ellen attended Elkins High School. She married Forest "Jeep" Atha on August 29, 1945 and was married for 46 years. They had three children. Ellen was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved her family deeply! Her first job was a waitress at Collier's Drug Store on the square in Fayetteville. She later worked at the Elkins Post Office and retired after 32 years of service. She also helped Jeep run the DX Station in Elkins. Ellen was a founding member of the Elkins Fire Bells and a 4-H Leader. She was a member and officer of the Home Demonstration Club and was so proud to serve in that role. Ellen attended and helped with all community activities and school functions, following her children through their activities in sports and academic programs. She was a faithful member of the Elkins Community Church and served on various committees as needed. She taught Sunday School and Bible School for many years. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Forest "Jeep" Atha; one sister, Helen Lewis; and one brother, Kenneth Dareing. She is survived by one son, Tommy Atha and wife, Karen of Elkins; daughter, Kaye Weathers and husband, Kenny of Fayetteville; daughter, Debbie Snell of Alameda, Calif.; seven grandchildren, Sharon Pyle, Mandy Reed, Kasey Weathers, Kory Weathers, Calandra Snell-Gibson, Dillon Snell and Kyle Snell; 10 great-grandchildren, Matthew Pyle, Whitley Frederick, LaCole Frederick, Ty Frederick, Sydney Weathers, Konnor Weathers, Reagan Weathers, Andrew Weathers, Presley Gibson and Emery Gibson; one brother, Jack Dareing and wife, Donna of Elkins; and many nieces, nephews and friends. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at Beard's Chapel. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2017 at Beard's Chapel. Interment will follow in Nickell Cemetery near Hazel Valley under the direction of Beard's Chapel. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.