Elsie M. Rager

Elsie May Rager went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on January 29, 2021. She was born to Ulrich and Esther Kipfer on May 29, 1920 in Grabill, Indiana. The Country Inn in Paulding, Ohio has been her home for the past two years. In declining health for several months, she was still blessed with one hundred years and eight months of life. She was the oldest daughter of nine children. Losing her birthmother at the age of thirteen, prepared her well for many years of life-giving. Elsie gave her heart and life to the Lord Jesus in 1938 and was baptized in the St. Joseph River in Leo, Indiana. She married William Daniel Rager on November ninth,1941. They resided most of their married life in Van Wert, Ohio. Surviving are her three sons: William, husband of Lou Ann, Leo, Indiana; Jerry, husband of Julie, Maggie Valley, North Carolina; Curt, husband of Denise, Van Wert, Ohio; four daughters: Nancy Stoller, wife of recently deceased, Gary Stoller, Van Wert, Ohio; Mary, wife of John Isch, Carmel, Indiana; Peggy, wife of Gary Ifft, Bloomington, Illinois; and Cindy, wife of Darl Schieler, Bloomington, Illinois. She is also survived by two sisters, Esther Stoller of Paulding, Ohio; Mary Ann Rozevink, of Lake Wales, Florida; Ramona Kipfer, sister-in-law of Leo, Indiana; twenty-eight grandchildren, eighty-one great grandchildren, and five great, great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Rager, parents, step mother, two sisters, four brothers, and one son-in-law. Elsie was a very dear woman, known and respected by many, especially for her gift of encouragement. She was a loving, faithful wife, mother, grandmother, great and great-great grandmother. The fruit of Elsie and William's marriage has resulted in one hundred and fifty-eight direct descendants. Her quiet, gentle spirit has influenced many. Throughout her life she pursued several interests: home-making, gardening, ceramics, and quilting. In her latter years she especially enjoyed the fellowship of her many widow friends. Her example as the oldest woman in her church, was a model of "that which is proper for women professing godliness, with good works". But throughout her life, Elsie's family remained closest to her heart. Never a birthday or Holiday was missed without her sending a card, gift of money, an encouraging word, or an affirmation of love. While she will be greatly missed, her memory will long linger and serve as a precious example of a life well lived to the glory of God. Funeral services will be held at the Apostolic Christian Church in Latty, Ohio at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, February 3. Viewing will precede the service at 10:30. A private burial will follow at the church cemetery. Appropriate social distancing and face covering are requested. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Apostolic Christian Harvest Call, the Country Inn of Paulding, OH, Walk Thru the Bible Ministries. Mrs. Rager's family suggest ordering flowers through Fettigs Flowers 419-238-1416 Van Wert.