Lorene Eller

Lorene Powers Eller was born November 1, 1929, in Helen, West Virginia. She died February 15, 2011. She was 81 years old. She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter Judy Kilby and son-in-law Charles Kilby of Lansing, NC; granddaughter Patricia Kilby Fore and husband Kevin of Low Gap, NC; and granddaughter Susan Kilby of West Jefferson, NC; as well as other family members and friends. Lorene married Staley Powers September 7, 1948. He died March 14, 1971. She cared for her mother Ruth until her death in 1992. On August 20, 1954 she went to work at Sprague Electric on the production line, earning 75 cents an hour. On August 16, 1976, she was promoted to a salaried position in work factor analysis. On April 3, 1987 she retired after 33 years at Sprague, but she went back to work-she was secretary at Mt. Rogers Combined School for one year, worked in tax preparation at H&R Block during tax season, and also worked at Ashe County ADAP. She was also secretary to Dr. Robert L. Stamper for many years. Lorene loved learning and she never stopped. She won spelling bees in school and was valedictorian of her graduating class at Lansing High School. Lorene was a longtime and active member of Lansing Presbyterian Church, serving as clerk of the Session and chair of the Elder committee. On January 30, 1997, Lorene married her former Sprague Electric co-worker, Joshua Bruce Eller, better known as Bruce. He passed away October 16, 2009. In the summer of 2005, Lorene was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she beat, and in January of 2007, she was diagnosed with Lewy Body dementia. Lorene was a good and loving family member, friend, neighbor, and co-worker. She loved her family and she loved the Lord. Her granddaughters were her pride and joy. They shared many good times together. Lorene called them faithfully, every Wednesday night, and wrote her special letters to them while they were students at Appalachian State University, so they would have a reason to check their mailboxes. She enjoyed spending time not only with her family but also her friends, whether traveling to the coast or just going out to eat. She was a voracious reader, and she grew African violets, which she called "girls". Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at 1:30 PM at the Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Ken Morris. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.  Flowers will be appreciated, or memorials may be made to High Country Health Care Hospice, PO Box 421, Jefferson, NC 28640. You may send and view condolences to the family through our website www.ashelawn.com. Ashelawn Memorial Chapel & Gardens was entrusted with Mrs. Eller's arrangements.