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Ellen Wall

1928 - 2013

BORN

1928

DIED

2013

Ellen Wall Obituary

(News article) A woman who pitched in to keep her siblings together after their mother's death then forged close ties to their children while doing her part in service to church and community, Ellen Savage Wall died Monday in Kingston Residence of Sylvania. She was 84.

She moved to Kingston from her West Toledo home about a year ago after a hip fracture, her daughter, Beth, said. She was in declining health.

She was born Feb. 24, 1928, to Kathryn and John M. Savage, the fourth of what would be nine children. Her father's grocery was among the first in the area devised to be self-service.

She was 9 when her mother died. Her father was intent on keeping the family intact. The older girls, she among them, did a lot of the cooking, her daughter said. They cared for the younger children, and everyone helped out at the store, where they learned the basic rules of business and life, their father told The Blade in 1959.

"There is one thing the store taught the children, and that was how to meet people, talk with them, and understand them," the elder Mr. Savage said.

Times were hard, her daughter said.

"They just did what they needed to do to get by every day, and they did what they were told," she said. "There's a real sense of family there and taking care of each other."

Some of her siblings had children before she and her husband did, and she helped them, her daughter said.

"She was always the fun aunt, the aunt who was always laughing," her daughter said. "But she would always keep them in their place."

And so one of them sent her a broom in the mail. One came up with a moniker that stuck, "Mean Old Aunt Ellen."

"She loved the fact that they cared enough to give her a nickname," her daughter said. "They knew they could get away with naming her that. She loved that title."

The Savage siblings and their large extended family hold triennial reunions. Two of her brothers were in the public eye for decades, and she embraced their achievements; John F. Savage, a business executive, public speaker, and University of Toledo trustee, who died in 1993, and Robert Savage, co-founder with John of a financial services firm and a business leader who was a former Toledo vice mayor.

They were still her little brothers, her daughter said.

"She didn't treat them any different," her daughter said.

She was a graduate of Notre Dame Academy and planned to attend nursing school. The summer after high school, her father had a heart attack. The older siblings were in college, and the younger were busy with high school. She was responsible for helping at Savage Market. She later married and had children and did not continue her education - and didn't lament her earlier plans.

"She did what she needed to do," her daughter said.

Mrs. Wall was a frequent attendee of daily Mass, and she volunteered at her parishes - St. Ann through young adulthood; then St. Agnes and, since 1969, Christ the King, where she oversaw funeral services in the church. She delivered Mobile Meals and, on her own, visited elderly neighbors through the years. The aim, her daughter said, was "service to others. Making people feel better. Putting smiles on people's faces."

After her children were grown, she and several friends formed a business, Those Gals, in which they ran estate sales.

A younger sister, Margaret, an elementary teacher in the Toledo Public Schools, died in 2008.

Surviving are her husband, Ray Wall, whom she married Oct. 29, 1949; daughter, Beth Brickman; sons, Tim and Kevin Wall; sisters, Marie Witherell, Fran Somers, Libby Campbell, and Nancy Coyle; brothers, Jim and Robert Savage, and 10 grandchildren.

Visitation is 2-8 p.m. Friday in the Ansberg-West Funeral Home. Services are at 10 a.m. Saturday in Christ the King Church.

The family suggests tributes to Hospice of Northwest Ohio; the church, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Contact Blade staff writer Mark Zaborney at: [email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected]">[email protected] or 419-724-6182.

Published by The Blade on Jan. 30, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Wall

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23 Entries

Ellen was a one-of-a-kind bright light of laughter and love and friendship to so many people, not the least of which were my parents. My thoughts are with all of you for a peaceful transition to life without her. Beth, please give your Dad a big hug for me. Sending lots of love.

Molly Wassermann

February 5, 2013

Dear Ray and all the family,

Ellen embodied her Irish heritage--smiling eyes, happy heart, engaging smile, ready wit. She truly made the world brighter, like a morn in spring. I consider myself fortunate to have known her.
Her Irish laughter is now making the angels sing. She will be missed by all those whose hearts she stole away.

Peace,

Pat Watkins

February 4, 2013

Beth,
I am so sorry hear of your loss. I saw Ellen about a year ago at Christ the King. What a jewel - she still makes me smile as I think of the wonderfull memories of our high school days.
God bless you and your family.
Lori Velliquette Davis

February 1, 2013

Ray, Tim, Kevin and Beth,

My parents always taught me the importance of having quality friends.

Ellen was such a great friend to my Mom and Dad. She personified the true loyal friend and was always there for my family in both happy and sad times.

I know Ellen is with Pug and Tee right now waiting for the clock to strike 5 so that happy hour can begin.

She was such a classy lady.

Joe Reynolds
Kids Auxilliary
Mystic Nights of the Sea

February 1, 2013

Tim:
We only get one mother, yours was extra special. May your memories always be in your heart and comfort you.

Sharon Gray Tobian (PSP 14)

January 31, 2013

Ray, We were so honored to share in your and Ellen's life the past few years especially our meetings at Eddie Lee's, such a special lady will never forgotten.... prayers Tim & Trina

Trina O'Brien

January 31, 2013

Beth, Tim and Tom. I saw your mother about a year and a half ago. I told her she was just as beautiful as ever...and she was! The Christmas Day parties will never be forgotten. My very best to your father. He's a gem too.
V/r. Leslie Witherell

January 31, 2013

Beth and Kris,
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your Mother. While we aren't in town to participate in the services, please know we are praying for your pain to ease and be replaced with the wonderful memories that make up your life as your mothers' most cherished accomplishment .

Love, Jodey and Jeff

Jodey MacQueen

January 31, 2013

Dear Wall Family,
There are so many wonderful memories of our families at Bear Lake. And Ray and Ellen coming to the Christmas Brunch for so many years at the Mack home. May you be comforted by all the good memories you had with your mom and grandmother. May God bless you all.

Beth (Mack) Horne

January 31, 2013

Dear Wall Family,

We were so saddened to hear of Ellen's passing. She was such a sweet lady. We will keep you all in our prayers.
Sue and Ken Hicks

Suzanne Hicks

January 31, 2013

Marie and family....thinking of you at this time..(Diane/ Dr Corrigans Office)

Diane Dooley

January 31, 2013

Dear Wall Family: I am so sorry to read that your mother passed away. We are long time friends of your parents, and it was a honor to know your mother. She was an exceptional person, she always had a joke for our Lunch Bunch. Mary & Dan Schultz

Dan & Mary Schultz

January 31, 2013

Ray: It has been years since we last saw each other. I recall all of the times that you spoke so lovingly about Ellen when we worked together at the Buckeye. You are in my prayers as are all of your family.

Blessings,

Rev.Bill Kozy
Boise, ID

Bill Kozy

January 31, 2013

Beth, Kris and family, my condolences on the loss of your mother/grandmother. She sounds like an exceptional person. I know she left an exceptional legacy. In sympathy, Christine Johnstone

January 30, 2013

Tim, You are in my thoughts and prayers along with your brother and sister .I remember all the good times and fun times, now it is up to you to carry out your mother's dreams. May she truly rest in peace.
Love to all! Janie Jilek God Bless

January 30, 2013

Tim, and kids,
I have nice memories of your mom at Hammways..and the times she would pick up the kids. I'm sure hearts are sad to lose their grandma (Mony)I pray you guys find comfort Love Laura

Laura rego

January 30, 2013

Beth, Kris and family,
Please accept our sincere condolences for the loss of your mother and grandmother. Please know you are in our thought and prayers at this difficult time.

Mark, Kim, Kendall, Brendan and Evan Karchner

Kim Karchner

January 30, 2013

Tim - I'm really sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all the good memories of your mom.

Amy Measles

January 30, 2013

i am so glad i had the pleasure of taking care of your Ellen, she was a special lady, enjoyed the time i spent with her, Ray, and the whole family are in my prayers jeannine HNWO

jeannine donbrosky

January 30, 2013

My Dad is very sick, but our family would like to send our thoughts and prayers. Your mother was always so special to my parents especially my mother. She made us all feel at home when we came to visit. Our love to all!
Diane Martindale (Connolly)

Diane Martindale

January 30, 2013

Beth, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Know that you now have a special guardian angel who will forever be in your heart. Mimi Konicki

January 30, 2013

Beth,
My deepest condolences on your loss. I have such fond memories of Xmas at your parents. Especially the Xmas when we drank all your Dad's Bud ! Those times were the best ! You and your family are in my prayers.

Don Helvey

January 30, 2013

What a legacy to behold - that is what Ellen left to all of you.

My deepest sympathy to each one of you as I recall the many years of special times we shared as neighbors MANY years ago.
Heaven will be a richer place with Ellen's deep caring attitude in place. What a reunion will take place as Ellen, John and Margaret join each other once again.
May God be with the rest of you as you continue to share happy times as oft as you are able.

Sheryn [Abbott-Vaughan] Hogan

January 30, 2013

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