Eleanor Louise Maynard Erchinger

Ellie was born in Columbus, Ohio, on April 16, 1930 to AddaBelle F. and Harold H. Maynard. She died August 2nd, 2025. She is survived by her loving husband, Ralph, sons and their wives, Bob, Dave (Pam), Tom (Robin) and Paul (Natalie); and her beloved grandchildren and their spouses Jennifer Auxier (John), Brooke Johnson (Steve), Christian Erchinger (Victoria), Andrew, Keith and Alyssa, and great grandchildren Rachael and John Allen. Although born into a Methodist family, she became a member of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), while living in Biloxi, Mississippi.

At Miami University, Oxford, Ohio she met Ralph, the love of her life, during her junior year, and they married on June 20, 1953. She earned her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education at Miami and a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1975 at Norwich University. Her employment years included being a kindergarten teacher in Columbus, Ohio and in the Philippine Islands, an executive secretary in Louisville, Kentucky, Biloxi, Mississippi, Tripoli, Libya, and Austin, Texas. She also served her church as the secretary of her congregation and of the TX/LA Synod (LCA).

Ellie lived in many places with Ralph in his 30-year Air Force career, including Tripoli, Libya; Philippine Islands; and Athens, Greece. While living in Athens she was active in the leadership of the Protestant Women of the Chapel (president) and the Athenai Officers' Wives Club (president). For over 57 years Ellie has been an active member of P.E.O., a women's educational and philanthropic organization, serving in positions in her local chapter and the Austin Area Council. She was Chairman of the Texas State Convention in 1991.

Living in Austin since 1977, she has been continuously active in Triumphant Love Lutheran Church (TLLC). She served on the congregation council for 16 years: two years as Youth representative, two years as Christian Education representative, and 12 years as congregation/council secretary. For 12 years she taught Sunday School three-year-olds. After giving the gift of handbells to the church, she was a member of the Bell Choir for many years. She volunteered in other areas of ministry and was Scouting Coordinator for Cub Scouts and Explorers. She promoted and coordinated the God and Country Program 1978-2010, guiding over 100 youth to complete the programs; she is a Stephen Minister, and has been the Library/Media Center Coordinator since 1979.

In 1964 she was president of the MacArthur Park Lutheran Church Women, San Antonio and in 1977 served as the first president of the Triumphant Love Lutheran Church Women (a predecessor of the current Mary Martha Group). She served as co-secretary with Ralph of the 1993 "Together LOVE Grows" campaign, was co-sponsor with Ralph of the TLLC Oktoberfest for 25 years, served as treasurer of the first "Mothers' Morning Out" board, and also made many banners used in worship. Ralph and Ellie served as delegates to several LCA and ELCA synod assemblies, were co-chairs of a SWT Synod "Equipping Congregational Leaders'" event, and of a synod Spirituality Retreat.

She participated in the local chapter of the Church and Synagogue Library Association for 15 years, serving as vice president and as president. Ellie was a registered Adult Scouter for over 30 years and was presented with the Silver Beaver Award in 1989. During that time, she was a Cub Scout Den Leader, a Den Leader Coach, Awards Chairman for both packs and troops and served as the Awards Chairman for the Thunderbird District of the Capitol Area Council, BSA. Sons Bob, Dave, Tom and Paul, and grandsons Christian and Keith are all Eagle Scouts of which she was extremely proud.

Ellie, with Ralph, has been devoted to God, her children, her grandchildren, and her church. With Ralph and the boys, she has enjoyed backpacking, canoe trips, camping and world travel. Ellie has always enjoyed music, reading, sewing, all types of handwork, and genealogy.

Her final communion service celebrating life will be held at Triumphant Love Lutheran Church on a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Triumphant Love Resurrection Garden, care of Triumphant Love Lutheran Church, 9508 Great Hills Trail, Austin, TX 78759. (512)-346-5683.