Ellen Cromer (93) passed into the arms of her heavenly Father on Monday May 20, 2013, with one of her nieces by her side. She was born August 22, 1919, to the late Henry M. and Effie Catherine Hines, Smith of the Camp Ground Community, Somerset, Kentucky. She was the eldest daughter and grew up in the Camp Ground community on Reid Mill Road. She attended Camp Ground Baptist Church with her family as a child.
Ellen met and married the late, Elmer “Gene” Cromer whom she met in Lockland, Ohio in 1943. They were blessed with one special son, Dennis Gene who proceded her in 2005. They lived in the Evendale, area of Cincinnati, Ohio for most of their lives. They often visited their family in Pulaski County and enjoyed time on Lake Cumberland or at their camp fishing. At retirement from the Fox Paper Company, Cincinnati, they returned to Pulaski County and built a home on Highway 452 ,and later the Smith family farm, their last home together was in Southridge Subdivision. Ellen was a homemaker and active in parent groups for special needs children in Cincinnati and Somerset. She enjoyed hosting family gatherings, especially a large family Christmas party. She enjoyed reading and studying the Bible daily. She was a faithful member of Southern Height’s Christian Church and previously the Science Hill Christian Church. Ellen always enjoyed helping in the church nursery caring for the infants and various Ladies groups. She was an honorable Christian woman who loved the Lord.
Preceding Ellen in death were her parents, her husband Gene, who preceded her in 2000, son, and sister’s; Iva K. Jasper, Alta Absher, Mae Goode; brother’s Andy R. Smith, Harden Smith, and two infant siblings.
Siblings that mourn her passing are, her sister’s; Shirley Stone, Cincinnati, Ohio; Wanda Westmoreland and Karolyn Shepherd, Lakeland, Florida; and Maxine Wooton, Science Hill, Kentucky and her brother’s; Robert and Gene Smith Piqua, Ohio, Flem D. “Pete” Smith, Lakeland, Florida . Mourning her passing are many nieces, and nephews ,as well her caretaker/niece Donna Wheeldon, Somerset. As well, she leaves a host of cousins who have fond memories of time with her as they grew up. Many siblings, nieces, and nephews considered her a “second Mother.” She leaves a very special life long friend, Corrine Donald and Juanita Farris ,Cincinnati, Ohio. Additionally, Susie Gossage, Melissa Gibson, Erica Troxtel, Anthony Garland, Pasha Burton, Nancy Honchell, Niki Hampton, Amber DeCrane, Ray Claunch, Heather Lay, Sandy Halcomb, and Alicia Phelps have been loving, caring friends in the last few years. Ellen’s last home was The Neighborhood, where she was cared for by Sharon Reynolds, Director and family friend, Dr. Harry Kennedy.
Pallbearers, Jerry Stone, Dale Robinson, Marce Absher, Jeff Absher, Dave Shadwick, Kevin Newton and Josh Newton.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be at one o’clock on Friday, May 24 at Southern Oaks Funeral Home with her nephew, Bro. Kris Absher officiating. Friends may visit after eleven A.M. at the Chapel of Southern Oaks Funeral Home until time for her service at one o’clock P.M. Interment will be at the Science Hill Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to the care of the cemetery at; Science Hill Cemetery Garden Club, P.O. Box 186, Science Hill, KY, 42553.
Joshua D. New and Richard D. New with Southern Oaks Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.