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Ellenie Ash-Godwin Obituary
Ellenie
Ellenie Ash-Godwin, 1949-2015, daughter of Rev. Robert J. and Edna Rae Callihan-Ash of Toledo, passed away peacefully from natural causes.
She is survived by her two sisters, Maralee Ash and Lorilee Ash-Green; her brother-in-law, Bethel (J.R.) Green Jr.; as well as her brother, David Rogers; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; as well as her many friends.
Ellenie graduated from the University of Toledo with a Music Education degree and spent her whole life in song and laughter. She taught in various schools, gave private lessons, and was a musical mentor to many. She was known in the area for her strong performances singing blues and jazz. She was the Secretary of the Black Swamp Blues Society and enjoyed being involved with The Blues in the Schools presentations. She was a lifelong member of Any Wednesday, a gathering of musicians and artists in the Old West End.
Ellenie showcased her talents in many area bands, most notably the Radiation Blues Band, Blues Confidential, Soft Touch and the B-Charmers. She was an instrumental member of the Radiation Blues Band Reunion benefit, which is held annually to raise funds for various area charities.
Born in Toledo, Ellenie traveled and lived in San Francisco, Seattle and Baltimore, where she resided with her late husband, Joe Godwin, for a number of years. She returned to Toledo in 2008 and picked up where she left off - singing her way around town. Her friendly, gregarious nature made her easy to approach and she was always interested in others. We feel a great loss in our hearts but also joy for the new addition to the Angel Band - they may be singing with a little more punch now that she has arrived.
A Memorial and Celebration of Life will be held on March 22 at the Buehner Center at Oak Openings Metropark, 5240 Wilkins Road, Whitehouse, Ohio at 11 a.m. Her musician friends will carry the day with the music she lived and breathed for so long. Donations will gratefully be accepted in her honor for her favorite programs and charities: The Black Swamp Blues Society, 1Matters, and the Toledo School for the Arts. Ansberg-West Funeral Directors, (419) 472-7633.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at:
www.ansberg-west.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellenie Ash-Godwin
Ramona Collins
March 16, 2020
I miss her very much and think of her often. There is no one who who can fill the void she left.
Valenda Newell
October 28, 2016
PEACE AND COMFORT ....HOLDING ONE IN THOUGHT AND PRAYER
D M
March 31, 2015
MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH AND ABILITY TO ENDURE THE DIFFICULT DAYS AND WEEKS AHEAD. PS.83:18.
March 24, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Becky Rohre
March 22, 2015
My heartful sympathy to all of Ellenie's family on this sorrowful day! I met her through association with the Bliss gals, in particular her sister Lorilee... all of whom I am sure were inspired by Ellenie. Hugs and prayers for comfort to all of you!
March 22, 2015
Marcia Shatzer Fleitz
March 22, 2015
Toledo has lost a shining star. Ellenie loved to sing and bring people together with music and her sweetness. We had some good times at Morning Glory Coffeehouse and during her Blues Confidential days. My sincere condolences to her family and loved ones. Shine on friend.
Maralee Ash
March 21, 2015
Ellenie lifted us up and twirled us around and took us on rides with her heartfelt sound...may we remember joy and laughter and love as she sings with us now from the heavens above...
Blue Eyed Vickie
March 20, 2015
Such a kind & sweet soul. Ellenie was always so welcoming when I stopped in to see her perform with the B-Charmers. We were to meet up soon. Can you imagine the jam session in heaven now with all our dear friends? Condolences.
March 20, 2015
March 20, 2015
Remembering Ellenie....
March 20, 2015
Ramona Collins
March 19, 2015
Ellenie leaving us is a tremendous loss to the musical community. My condolences to the family and all her friends and fans. She will be missed by many, and I will miss my buddy.
Linda Edelman
March 18, 2015
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. Ellenie is a beautiful soul.
Terri and MIchael Curley
March 18, 2015
Ellenie, your sweet gentle spirit and soul will be greatly missed. Michael was so excited he found you again and introduced me to you. You took me in as a dear long time friend. You were so easy and fun to be around. May you rest in peace sweet Ellenie.
Kathy Curley Bishop
March 18, 2015
So many great memories of Ellenie with Radiation Blues and beyond. Plus she saved my brother's life! Keeping Ellenie & family in my thoughts & prayers always. RIP
Missy (Edge) Giltz
March 18, 2015
She was music...,
March 18, 2015
March 18, 2015
a wonderful friend and inspiration to all local performers ! you will always be in my thoughts and prayers too ! love always, Christopher Joseph
Laurie Swyers @ Mary Dick
March 18, 2015
My incredible sister, Mary and I will light a candle, and think about you always. I will cherish our musical memories together. Long live the B-
charmers!
Sita wiczynski
March 18, 2015
Sympathy and condolences to Ellenie's family .
Terri GeorgiaMay
March 18, 2015
A dear friend to me for many decades now and singing sister for as many. I was soo happy when she moved home and began singing again. Then we became even closer. I know every morning when I awake and think of her in prayer, is when she's with me. Missing my dear friend already as I know her sisters and extended family are. You're all in my loving prayers~
Ruth Callihan
March 18, 2015
A beautiful and loving person with the spirit of an angel.
Ranee Wood
March 18, 2015
Not only was she so very talented, but she also had a beautiful soul and cared about people. May her memory be eternal.
Karen and Dave Dunaway/Poitinger
March 18, 2015
What a beautiful lady and a great talent. Ellenie had passion in her voice, speaking or singing.
May she sing for the angels. You will be missed.
James Ham
March 18, 2015
Her voice and her kindness will be missed. I know her encouragement helped me so much.
March 18, 2015
my heartfelt sympathy to the family.
Joni Coats
March 18, 2015
Heartfelt sympathies. and many prayers of comfort for Ellenie's family and musical family of friends.
Mario & Cathy Dario
March 18, 2015
Such a loss! Beautiful lady with a beautiful voice so much talent. She will be missed.
Denny/Ruth Gwynne
March 18, 2015
A sweet, singing, beautiful musical soul and wonderful friend. She will be sorely missed. Condolences to all family and friends
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