ELLA JANE TENNIS

Age 99, died peacefully on Monday, September 20, 2010, in Muskegon, Michigan, four days before her 100th birthday. Ella was born in Sumner, Illinois, on September 24, 1910, to Edwin Horace Carter and Melinda Estella Helphinstine Carter and married Stanley K. Tennis on March 10, 1935, in Inglewood, California. She was active in many organizations and businesses and owned an accounting firm in North Hollywood, California, for twenty-plus years before retiring. She was a long-time member of the First Christian Church of North Hollywood and attended First Evangelical Lutheran Church while living with her daughter and son-in-law in North Muskegon, Michigan. In California, she was a member of the American Business Women's Association, Order of the Amaranth, plus numerous other organizations. Her family and her church were her greatest joys. She was an accomplished singer, blessed with a beautiful contralto voice which brought enormous pleasure to those privileged to hear her. Ella is survived by daughters, Linda (Norman) Mysen, of North Muskegon, Michigan, and Janie Fields of Woodland Hills, California; seven grandchildren; three step-granddaughters; six great grandchildren, six step-great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley, daughter, Daryll Claire Tennis Bates, her parents, six brothers and one sister. A memorial service celebrating Ella's life will be held at First Christian Church North Hollywood on Saturday, October 2, 2010, at 4:00 p.m., with the Reverend Robert Bock officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Christian Church North Hollywood, Central Christian Church, Sumner Illinois, or to the charity of your choice. Interment will be private.