Eleanor Younger Sheffer

Celebrating a Life of Kindness, Dedication, and Love
In Loving Memory of Eleanor Younger Sheffer
Eleanor "Ellie" Younger Sheffer, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on October 5, 2025, at the age of 76. Ellie's presence in the lives of those she touched will be deeply missed, but her legacy of compassion, humor, grace, and love of Jesus will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Ellie was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on May 3, 1947, to John Emma Demoss Younger and John Edward Younger Sr. She grew up on a dairy farm near Addis, Louisiana, with one brother and three sisters. She attended Brusly Elementary and Junior High Schools and graduated from Baton Rouge High School in 1967. She majored in elementary education and graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1971. While at the university, she met the love of her life, John, with whom she built a marriage filled with joy, laughter, and mutual respect.
Ellie and John were married in Port Allen, Louisiana, on June 19, 1971, and soon moved to Singapore to begin their life together. They returned to the Houston area in 1973 and, except for assignments in Bogotá, Colombia; Quito, Ecuador; and Port of Spain, Trinidad, they resided in Harris County until 2017, when they moved to rural Fort Bend County. Together they raised six children, who were her greatest pride and joy.
Ellie taught preschool children at a private school and later worked as a substitute teacher for elementary and junior high students in the Houston and Cy-Fair school districts. She also occasionally taught at charter schools. Her primary focus, however, was raising her six children and being deeply involved in the lives of her ten grandchildren. Over the years, she served as a Cub Scout den mother, Little League baseball coach, PTO member, Sunday school teacher, and Vacation Bible School teacher.
Ellie was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Rosenberg, where she was active in the church's Dorcas quilting group. She also visited and administered Holy Communion to those unable to attend services. In addition, she was a member of the Star of Destiny Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Ellie loved to paint with oils and watercolors. She was an avid seamstress and made most of her family's clothing during the early years of her marriage. In addition to sewing, she knit, crocheted, and quilted. She was also a passionate gardener and a wonderful cook and baker. She loved baking cookies with her children and later with her grandchildren. Ellie enjoyed traveling, and in addition to the countries where she lived, she vacationed in Malaysia, England, Ireland, Scotland, Spain, the Canary Islands, Kyrgyzstan, and Mexico. She and John also loved cruising in the Caribbean.
Ellie's kindness, wisdom, and generosity have left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She taught by example, showing the importance of empathy, hard work, and devotion to loved ones. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, extended family, and countless friends.
Ellie is survived by her husband, John; her children, John M. (Beau) Sheffer (Ruth), Matthew C. Sheffer (Melissa), Wesley D. Sheffer (Cherie), Margaret H. Sheffer, Maria F. Richmond (David), and Jason C. Sheffer; and her grandchildren, Alyssa Richmond, Suzanna Sheffer, Ian Sheffer, Abbigail Sheffer, Yassar Batarra, Audrie Sheffer, Julian Richmond, Danny Sheffer, Jack Sheffer, and Eleanor Sheffer. She is also survived by her brother, John E. Younger Jr. (Karen); her sisters, Peggy Tidwell (Don) and Phoebe Harris (Bill); and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Ellie is reunited in peace with her parents, John Ed and John Emma Younger, and her sister, George Anna Younger Durrett. Her family wishes to thank all who offered love, support, and prayers during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or to your favorite charity in Ellie's honor.
Eleanor Younger Sheffer's love and spirit will never be forgotten. May she rest in peace.