Ellen Clelland, 98, of Litchfield, died on Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 9:25 a.m. at her residence.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 13, from 9 a.m. until the time of the service at Union Avenue Christian Church in Litchfield. Funeral services will follow at the church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Cassie Sexton-Riggs officiating. Cremation will follow the service, and a private family interment of ashes will be held at Elm Lawn Cemetery in Litchfield. Plummer Funeral Home in Litchfield is assisting the family.
Mrs. Clelland was born in Litchfield on July 11, 1925, a daughter of Argale Henry and Verda Blanche (Hall) Watts. She was a lifelong resident of Litchfield.
A graduate of Litchfield Community High School, she married James Jameson Clelland, Jr., on Oct. 20, 1946, and he preceded her in death on Aug. 23, 1993.
During her career, Mrs. Clelland worked for Barnstable Farm Supply Co., Buske Truck Lines, Wikomi Manufacturing and its successor, Worksaver, Inc., where she was the bookkeeper and office manager until her retirement.
A faithful and lifelong member of Union Avenue Christian Church, Mrs. Clelland held many leadership roles. She taught Sunday School, served on the church council, the church’s funeral dinner caring mission, the Board of Elders, and was bestowed the honor of elder emeritus. She was the first woman of the church to be chosen to serve as an elder. Mrs. Clelland was active in the Christian Church Disciples of Christ Christian Women’s Fellowship both locally and regionally.
She enjoyed being surrounded by her family, playing games of all kinds and travelling. She was everyone’s friend, never met a stranger and lived life to the fullest.
Mrs. Clelland is survived by her son, David Clelland of Glen Carbon; two daughters, Gail (Rick) Piggott of Long Grove and Linda Clelland of Litchfield; a brother, Arthur Watts of Litchfield; a sister, Joan Davis of Gillespie; 11 grandchildren; Amy (Mike) Aldrich, Chris (Stephanie) Piggott, Rob (Shanna) Piggott, Greg (Nicole) Piggott, Katie Clelland, Craig (Kayla) Clelland, Charlie Hicks, Michelle Hicks, Brandon (Kellan) Hicks, Nick (Nicole) Dowdy and Trent Clelland; and 26 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Clelland was preceded in death by three sons, Steve Clelland, James Clelland III and Donald “Grover” Clelland; a brother, Charles Watts and five sisters, Mildred in infancy, Anna May Watts, Juanita Goff, Norma Watts and Erma Niehaus.
The family ask that memorials be given to Union Avenue Christian Church.
To light a virtual candle, sign the online guestbook, or for directions, please visit www.plummerfuneralservices.com.
