Eloise Wolfe Ellington Rushforth

1916 - 2017

Mrs. Eloise Wolfe Ellington Rushforth, age 100, passed away on September 09, 2017, at Sharon Towers. Her Memorial Service will be Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 11:00 am at Sharon Presbyterian Church with Dr. Robert Blumer officiating. Interment will be at a later date as she had donated her body to scientific studies. Mrs. Rushforth was born on October 11, 1916 in Charlotte, NC Sharon Township, the oldest daughter of the late Benjamin F. Wolfe and Jessie Lake Wolfe.

She was first married to John D. Ellington of Pineville, NC, then later to James H. Shaw of Concord, NC, and then later in 1984, she married Thomas E. Rushforth of Lake Wylie, SC.

Mrs. Rushforth was a Mecklenburg native and a retired employee of Duke Energy Company having worked there for 33 years. She had lived at the home place on Park Road all her life except for a short time during her first marriage, and then lived at Lake Wylie for 24 years.

She was a member of Sharon Presbyterian Church having joined in 1928 and served as Elder and Clerk of Session. She also served a term on the Synod Council of North Carolina. Mrs. Rushforth was vitally interested in all the affairs of her church, and she held many offices in the Women's work. She was the recipient of the Presbyterian Women's Honorary Life Membership Award, given by the Presbyterian Church USA. She was a choir member for 40 years, directed the Duke Energizers in Rock Hill, SC and the choir at Sharon Towers for 10 years.

During World War II, she spent many hours at the Presbyterian Hospital Auxiliary, The American Red Cross and the United Way. She was a member of the DAR, Emily Nelson Chapter of Washington, DC. Mrs. Rushforth served as Officer and Director for over 25 years in "Keep North Carolina Clean & Beautiful, Inc.", Raleigh, NC and holds an Honorary Life Membership in the organization.

Preceding her in death is one brother, Captain Frank E. Wolfe, and two sisters, Betty Wolfe Lippard and Connie Gallogly.

She is survived by her two children, John D. Ellington (Barbara) of Wichita, Kansas and Mary E. (Mrs. CL) Baker, of Rock Hill, SC. She is also survived by 5 grandchildren and preceded in death by three and is survived by 18 great-grandchildren, one deceased and 9 great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In addition, she is survived by three step-daughters, Mrs. Morgan Speir, II of Charlotte, NC, Mrs. Kenneth R. Brown of Lake Burton, GA, and Mrs. Janet R. Swope of Mahwah, NJ.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the many friends and family for their support during the past six months and to the doctors and staff at Sharon Towers Nursing Facility.

The family will greet friends after the memorial service at a reception in the Charles Little Activity Building. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Sharon Presbyterian Church located at 5201 Sharon Road Charlotte, NC 28210. Arrangements are in care of Hankins & Whittington, East Blvd, Charlotte, NC. Please share online condolences at www.hankinsandwhittington.com