Bellville Times

Sue Ellis Karnes was born Oct. 13, 1926 in East Chicago, Ind.
She was the youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W.R. Ellis. Her father was a
minister in the Church of Christ and as such moved from Indiana through
Michigan and into Ohio.
Being from the Depression years, the family served many churches in small
farm communities. By the time Sue was in high school, the family was in
Toronto, Ohio. Sue was active in band, drama and was an honor student.
Summers were spent at "Eireside," a church camp for junior and senior high
school students. Her father was the camp director for 25 years.
After graduation, Sue studied at the Cincinnati Bible Seminary until she met
Walter, who just returned from two years of Army duty. The couple were
married on Sept. 13, 1947 and they moved to Columbus, Ohio where Walter was
enrolled at Ohio State University under the G.I. Bill.
Sue was the mother of two children, son Walter Jr., and daughter Kim. She
loved them both and involved herself in many of the activities of their
childhood, such as Cub Scouts and ballet.
Although her family grew up in many states, she always made new friends and
became involved in activities for young people. In Salt lake City, she was
the director of the Y.W.C.A. In Spokane, Wash., she was coach of a
championship girls' softball team.
After Walter retired, Sue accompanied him on several consulting trips to
South America and Slovakia where they assisted small businesses in
developing countries. During all these years, she was an active member of
the "Rotary Arms," the ladies side of Rotary.
Although diminutive of stature, Sue possessed a remarkable spirit and
charisma. Her character, her humor and her friendly personality drew many
friends. She was the kind of person that you never forgot. She loved her
God, her family and her friends with everlasting devotion. God bless her
Scottish soul.
A memorial service for Sue was held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004 at
the Bellville Church of Christ with Pastor Gene Palvado and Pastor Ron
Miller officiating.
In lieu of usual remembrances, friends who wish may make memorial gifts to
the Mayo Clinic Liver Research, ATTN: Development, 200 1st South West St.,
Rochester, Minn., 55905.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Schmidt Funeral Home,
12029 Highway 36 South, Bellville, Texas, 77418,  (979) 865-2424.

Posted by Joy Neely