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William Ely Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for William Ely
Jean Moyer
January 9, 2011
MY BELOVED BROTHER BILL ELY
No farewell words were spoken, No time to say goodbye. You were gone before we knew it and only God knows why. I still haven't accepted your death yet, but I do know someday, you and I together will find that gold mine in the sky.
I LOVE YOU MY LITTLE BROTHER, JEAN
January 1, 2011
SHERI,BILL,DICK,LOU,CHUCK
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD.
HE WILL ALWAYS HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN OUR HEARTS.WE HAVE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES OF HIM. HE WOULD OFTEN STOP BY OUR HOUSE TO VISIT AND HAVE A CUP OF COFFEE (WITH HONEY IN IT).EVEN THOUGH HE WAS HURTING HIMSELF AFTER DAD PASSED AWAY HE WOULD ALWAYS ASK (ARE YOU DOING OK).HE WAS A CARING,KIND AND GENTLE MAN AND WE WILL MISS HIS SMILE,JOKES AND HIS LAUGHTER. FILL YOUR HEARTS WITH MEMORIES OF YOUR DAD DURING THIS TIME OF SORROW, AND TAKE COMFORT THAT HE IS NOT ALONE, AS HE AND YOUR MOTHER ARE REUNITED IN ETERNITY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.
DENNIS AND JO-ANN MIDDENDORF, APALACHIN,N.Y.
December 24, 2010
Sheri
December 24, 2010
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Sheri-Jo Ely Balschweit
December 24, 2010
On a quiet Christmas Eve morning I would like to Thank You all so much for the out pouring of love, support, and prayers for our family at this time. I have hesitated when it came to reading your warm ang generous entries, for I am tring to hold it together. However this is really a surprising source of strength. What a wonderful forum to share thoughts and memories. I am so grateful to have had such outstanding parents and I try to hang on to that "full" feeling instead of the emptiness of loss. We will all see our way through this because our father taught us how to deal with loosing those we love so much. He lost so much in his lifetime. And now he is with them and "whole" again. I will miss my "Daddy" forever, and I will listen for his voice in my heart for that is where he and my Mom will forever reside. Thank you one and all.
Dad and Mom
Sheri Balschweit
December 24, 2010
cindy ford-quarterman
December 20, 2010
Dear Sherry, Rich, Billy, Lou and Chuck,
We tried SO very hard to get out to your dad’s funeral. The weather simply would not allow us to come, although we purchased flight tickets and even drove to the Milwaukee airport in the storm, hoping just maybe we could sneak through this storm when thousands were stranded at airports all through the mid-west. We would not be part of the fortunate ones, the “gods of the weather, planes and skies” all said “no, not at this time.” So our family decided to do the next best thing we could think of and send you an electronic tribute to our Uncle Billy. Below are all our thoughts. Know that we are grief stricken for the loss of your wonderful father and although we didn’t get to be a part of his life and yours as much as we wanted to, we cherish the memories we have. We love you all.
Cindy, Kevin, Colleen, Kelly and Don Ford (Aunt Joyce’s children)
I can remember the first time I met Uncle Billy, he kissed me right on the lips and always has since. This is the Ely way and I remember I loved being loved by Uncle Billy. He made me feel like I was his own. For some reason, of all the uncles, he endeared himself to me first and foremost. I loved how he said my name. I loved how he asked me questions. I loved how he showed concern for my life. I love how he always had time for a cup of coffee or a meal to make our visits special. And I love how he looked- he was a handsome uncle and I was proud he was mine. My most recent memory was two summers ago after the Ely reunion. We had a wonderful supper together at the Blue Dolphin, a favorite spot. The atmosphere around the table was warm and merry and his jokes had me laughing so hard! But one of the most heart-warming memories I will always have of Uncle Billy is how he loved and referred to my mother, as “Red”. He loved her as a brother should and I am grateful for his tender concern for her all through these years. I will miss your father fiercely and can’t imagine how New York will ever be the same without him. But I look forward to carrying on his legacy of Ely family affection, humor and concern. And I look forward to carrying all this on with you my cousins. Although distance separates us, I love you all tremendously. And in honor of Uncle Billy and my mother, I send you a big fat Ely kiss on the lips to seal the deal of carrying on that which would make Uncle Billy proud.
Love, Your cousin-Cindy (Ford) Quarterman
Life happens. My life has kept me far from New York. But I remember a grand time with Rich and Billy one night where we had a blast. There was some drinking involved and it was a late night. When I came back, my mother wasn’t too happy. Because she wasn’t, Uncle Billy wasn’t either. But I have to say although I didn’t know Uncle Billy well, I felt like I knew you two all my life. You made me feel like your brother, so much so that I vowed to come back and live in New York someday to be near you two. But Life happens and that just didn’t work out. However, your ability to make me feel like family, enjoy the moment and celebrate life must have come in a big way from your father. So in a way I did know and love Uncle Billy through you two. Keep spreading the joy as he taught you to do.
Love, Your cousin-Kevin Ford
When I think of Uncle Billy I think of twinkling eyes and warm embraces, a husky voice and a hearty laugh. I think of gnarly, agile hands thumping an upright bass in a smoky bar full of people, young and old, gathered for good music, a good drink, and good times. It is almost impossible for me to think of him without also thinking of Aunt Bev and the cousins coming and going around them in their full, cozy house. His love and concern for all of them was so obvious. I remember also his gentle, brotherly love for my mother which is a tender flame she will keep alive in her heart always… like a treasure. Memories are very much like treasure, a wealth beyond money, eternal possessions which cannot be taken away. Even though life changes and people move into and out of our lives, they each leave a part of themselves behind with us, and take part of us with them…and we are forever changed. Uncle Billy changed me for good.
Love, Your cousin-Colleen Ford- Dunker
Kindness, Family and Laughter
They say that a person's eyes are a window into their soul. If this is true (and I think it is) my Uncle Billy's soul is full of love, acceptance and compassion, three attributes that creates true kindness.
It also seems that he knew the importance of family and with simple grace he nourished his kinships. Like the time he brought his family to visit our family in Wisconsin. He must have known how important this was for my mom who lived so far away from her family in New York. And it warms my heart thinking about his daily date with Sherri for morning coffee.
Although the distance was great and our visits infrequent my memories of Uncle Billy are vivid and potent always including laughter, a kind of laughter that surrounds you with love and if that wasn't enough (to make you feel that all is right with the world) he followed it up with a big bear hug or just a firm one arm embrace which left no doubt in your mind that you are loved by this kind man. I will truly miss those embraces.
Sherri, Rich and Billy I grieve with you and am deeply sorry for your loss and I wish you well Uncle Billy as you journey onward.
Love, Your cousin-Kelly Whited-Ford
Of all my siblings, I had the pleasure of most recently seeing Uncle Billy. And it was a pleasure I had the privilege of sharing with my two children as well, as we all accompanied my mother out to the Ely reunion. It was a joy to spend significant time with Uncle Billy at the reunion, memories I will never forget. And it was also a joy to be with him at the Blue Dolphin for breakfast (his treat) which my children enjoyed immensely. In fact my son still remembers what he had for breakfast! I feel privileged to have these most recent memories and to be treated in this special way by this special man. Please know that I am so sorry for your loss. Please also know that I feel honored to have known your dad, my uncle, and even more honored that my children will now have life long memories of my mother’s closest brother. I love you guys.
Love, Your cousin-Don Ford
Patti & Mark Gincerowski
December 20, 2010
Uncle Bill, you will be missed by all of us, You were the Best Uncle anyone could ask for, Rest Peacefully with Aunt Bev. "Who loves Ya"
Dock & Sue
December 19, 2010
Bill, Kathy, and family;
Bill was a great guy and everybody loved him. What was not to love...he was a kind, caring and loving man who was always ready with a joke, song or kind word for anyone who needed one. He was a man who everyone knew and everyone was fond of.
Our condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
Corey Ely
December 17, 2010
I'm really going to miss you Grandpa, you were an amazing, talented, funny, and all around great guy. I'm glad you got to see and spend time with your great-grandson Spencer, you got to see our Ely name passed on. I am so grateful we got a 4 generation picture of you, Dad, Spencer, and I, I will cherish that picture and pass it on to Spencer someday. I love you so much Grandpa, I only wish I could of met Grandma and it hurts less thinking that after 20 years you finally get to be with her. You meant so much to me, I love you and miss you, I'll see you again in the future and hope that you watch over us all like Grandma has been.
Love always,
Your grandson Corey
December 16, 2010
I would just like to say I am very sorry for your loss, he was truly a great man and he and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. although it's been a long time, he is still with us in many fond memories. My wife remembered him by the football pool, the only 13 - 1 and add them up pool we ever played, good times for sure, from the Fairbanks days. Our Sincere Condolences Dennis and Jane McNamara
Alex Rogers
December 15, 2010
Im very sorry for your loss Rich, Sheri,Chuck,Lou,Brad,Uncle Harvey,and Bill jr. If I lost my dad i dont know what I would do.
Love,
Alex
December 15, 2010
Bill Ely Family
Many years of wonderful dancing and enjoying your music. Years of memories when I lived on Iris Dr in Apalachin and our children playing together. When I heard of Bill's passing I was with Dave and Todd "BOY" did the stories of Marshland Rd and Iris Dr come alive. You will be missed by the
Butler Family.
Dick, Dave, Colleen, Todd
Marylu Gasbarra
December 15, 2010
Sherri,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You were truly an amazing daughter to your Dad. You took good care of him, and was always there for him. You were unselfish, always willing to help Dad if he needed anything. May you find comfort in knowing that your were a truly devoted daughter who loved him unconditionally. I fondly remember all the stories you told me about your Dad. Remember all those wonderful memories you have of Dad, and hopefully it will help your ease your sorrow.
Bonnie Moyer
December 14, 2010
It was very hard to say goodbye today, but it is not really goodbye it is until I see you again. Tell Aunt Bev I send my love, You will be deeply missed by me and mom always you are and always be my Uncle Booty. I love you. Bonnie
Ruth McMullen
December 14, 2010
Bill,
We were sad to hear of Dads passing. We planned to attend funeral but Stan is on oxygen and the cold weather takes his breath away.
We want to extend our deepest sympathy and prayers for you and family at this time.
Ruth & Stan
December 14, 2010
Bill yoy will be missed. Rest in peace
Love Mary Shattuck
December 14, 2010
I am so saddened by the loss of my favorite uncle. He will be missed so much. My love will be with you always. I know you are happy now, with aunt Bev and all the family you have lost. They were all there to greet you. You will always live in all of us.
Love you always
Joyce Ely
Middendorf
cyd quarterman
December 14, 2010
I am honored to have had such an uncle (my mother's brother) who modeled the ELY way for me and my family; talent, humor, affection and a gentle kindness. and i have to add cuteness- he was a handsome uncle as well! I am proud to be his niece and will play his and uncle dick's music for all to hear. cindy ford
Linda & Ken Budinger
December 14, 2010
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. He was a driver with us. He will be missed by all of us.
Pam & Jeff Burdick
December 14, 2010
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
MARK COONEY
December 14, 2010
SHERI & BILL
SORRY TO HEAR OF THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD ITS A HARD TIME OF YEAR TO LOSE SOMEONE
THINKING OF YOU.
MARK & SANDY COONEY
Crystal (Trumbull) Macuch
December 14, 2010
Dear Lou, Chuck, Sheri, Bill & Rich
Sorry to hear of your loss. I have such fond and warm memories of your dad, as well as your mom. They both opened their hearts to embrace life in a rich, sincere and meaningful way. They shared parts of themselves with everyone they touched and for that we are all blessed. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Love,
Merna /Howard/ Douglas Mapes/ Colwell
December 13, 2010
Our thoughts & prayers are with you!1 May God bless & sustain you & grant you strength.peace,serenity,grace & a strong faith. One "glorious day" we shall all join on that :Golden Shore" where Bill has gone to join Beverly & Bucky & others gone before him.What a "Reunion" it must have been!! We will all miss him but we know he is at peace & likely playing his music in Heaven!! Him & Bucky are in harmony!!
God bless & comfort & cherish you with all your memories to hold near & dear to your hearts!!
Colleen Ford-Dunker
December 13, 2010
Dear Sherrie, Billy and Rich,
My heart breaks for you all. Your father's (and mother's) kindness and love, caring and sweetness live on in you. It is good to know. Still we ache for him and will miss him, even from such a distance. We join our thoughts and prayers with all the others to hold you up in this time of sorrow. From your far away cousin...
Thomas Love
December 13, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Alice (Ely) Dann
December 13, 2010
We haven't seen Uncle Bill in a few years but that didn't mean we didn't think of him or love him,we did!You are all in our hearts and prayers.
Rich Ely
December 13, 2010
Dad, You are a tremendous husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. I am so proud to be your son. I only hope that I can be at least half the man that you are.... I want to thank everyone for your loving words, prayers, and support through this extremely difficult time. We have found strength from all of you. love, Rich.
Ann Eno
December 13, 2010
Sheri & family,
So sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. He was truly a special man with a great deal of musical talent. He was a man with great integrity and class. His smile and hugs always warmed my soul and spirit. My bond with him was so special because of his bond with my father. I really enjoyed the stories he told me about the days they played together. They were certainly a rare breed of talented muscians. I can see Bill, my dad, Bucky and your uncle Dick all up there in heaven playing for God and his Angels. He will be dearly missed. I love you Bill. Love you Sheri.
Ann & Bill Eno
Deanne Rogers
December 13, 2010
I will miss you Bill "Dad". I have so many wonderful memories of you. I will cherish them forever. I love you with all of my heart.
Debbie & Bruce Orton
December 13, 2010
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. May you find comfort in all of your good memories. God bless
Connie Clark
December 13, 2010
Sheri-Jo, Lou, Bill & Family,
You have our deepest sympathy with the loss of your Dad. He was a very kind man and he will be missed.
With Love,
Connie & Dave
Danielle Williams
December 13, 2010
As sad as I am that you are gone, I am just as greatful to have had you in my life. You were so great with my children, always hugging them and making them feel special. I know my gramma is gonna miss you, so keep an eye on her for us, you two have a bond that will not be broken. Love you, Danielle, Shawn, Ivy, Jonah, and Kaya.
Love,
The Williams
December 13, 2010
I was so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I remember going to the Silver Dollar and listening to the Ely Brothers play. They were the best Country Music act in the Triple Cities. They also played at my parents 25th wedding anniversary. My sympathy to the family.
Linda Dingman
Jen B
December 13, 2010
Brad & Family:
So sorry for your loss.
May the void in your hearts be filled with all of your greatest most precious memories.
Tracie Wheeler
December 13, 2010
Bill and Kathy, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family..
Tracie Wheeler
Wes & Karen Searle
December 12, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
December 12, 2010
to the ely family i was very sad to hear of bill passing please accept my sorrow
tim vroman
Thomas delCano
December 12, 2010
Going to miss you "wild" Bill, you and Beverly were like a second set of parents to me, and your house was like a second home.
December 12, 2010
We have just lost a great and wonderful man. We were so blessed to have known him and to be able to spend time with him. We spent many happy hours with him. Our love goes out to all the family. We will most certainly miss him.
With love to all
Pat and Jim Harders
linda confair
December 12, 2010
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Les and Denise Swartz
December 12, 2010
We are so sorry to hear of Bills passing. We send our prayers and thoughts.
December 12, 2010
To all of Bill's family as well as his extended family and friends. A wonderful man has just past through the doors of Heaven and will be so incredibly missed here on earth. "I loved you with all my heart Bill and am so thankful to have had that love reciprocated". So sorry for your loss, but we are all gifted to have known him.
Kris & Dave Marcocci
December 12, 2010
My prayers are with all the family. My wife, Cyd Quarterman had fond memories of her Uncle Billy. We have enjoyed listening to his music over the years. God Bless you all.
Nancy and Phil Romeo
December 12, 2010
Bill rest in Peace and keep playing your music. We know the angels above will enjoy your music. They will be dancing up a storm up there. We will miss you and your music. You will be forever in our memories. You will be missed by many. Nancy and Phil Romeo
Tosha & AJ Lane
December 12, 2010
We love you grandpa. You were an amazing man. We were so happy to have you in our life. Tell grandma we love her and we will all be together again someday. Please watch over me all my days and i hope your up there still pickin with Bucky.
Norma Matts
December 12, 2010
JEAN AND FAMILY..Sorry to hear of Bill's passing... We all had such a great time in September at the Parkview when we got to celebrate NOMA's visit... He gave such great hugs and will be missed by many... One of the best of the class of 50 at OFA...Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family...
Albert and Linda Howe
December 12, 2010
To the Ely Family,
Albert and I are so sorry to hear of Bill's death. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Cravens
December 11, 2010
Family~
Mr. Ely was so good to us kids when we were hanging out at the Balschweit home. He made sure we were all safe, happy, being good and having fun. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. He was a great person.
Roger Weber
December 11, 2010
Sheri and Brad:Vicky and I were very saddened to hear of the passing of your father and grandfather.Being your neighbor for the past 25 years,we got to know him very well.He was a great friend and wonderful person.I will miss our talks in the yard,and his friendly smile and wave.We love you guys.Roger and Vicky.
shirley &bear
December 11, 2010
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Bea Wahl
December 11, 2010
To Bill Ely's family.
So sorry to hear about Bill. I first met Bill at Fairbanks where I also worked. Once I found out about his band my husband and I went to were he was playing. He was also happy go lucky (even at work) he was a great guy. I have alot of fond memories of both Dick and Bill. My prayers are with all of you. God bless.
Dan Jackson
December 11, 2010
To Bill Ely's family,
Saddened from hearing about Bill. He was a great guy and I enjoyed knowing him. Never did I see him that he wasn't smiling and never did he slight you if he knew you. I have a lot of memories from listening to the band, could he ever play that bass! One memory that has stuck with me and always will, it was at Nichols. We got him to sing and sing he did. Sung like he did when he was younger and I enjoyed it so much. Later, I went to talk with him and compliment him. He said, "Dan, I haven't sung since I sang with my brother". That statement gripped me. I surely hope that him and Dick are singing together again and will be singing when I get there. May God put his healing hand on ALL your shoulders and guide you thru these days of sorrow. May your memories bring you peace and solace. God bless.
Peggy Norman
December 11, 2010
Words can not express how I feel , I will only say Uncle Bill was a beautiful and kind man ... probably more so than anyone else I have ever met ! I am so sorry , and my love goes out to everyone who knew and loved him !
With All My Love and Symapathy ,
Peggy, Tracy ,Jaylen & Nicholas Norman
Winston Burgher
December 11, 2010
Dear Ely family, I was so sorry to hear of your loss.I worked with Bill at Feduke Ford and we went on trips together many times. He was always a very nice person and it was a pleasure to know him. He will be missed but never be forgotten because he touched so many hearts with his, music, great sense of humor and smile. May God Bless Bill and his family.
December 11, 2010
It has been my honor and pleasure to have worked Bill as a fellow musician and known him as a friend. He was the foundation we all built on in the Country Connection band. His comical sense of humor and gentle way with people made everyone who met him, love him. I thank him for 28+ years of great memories. I am sure he and Bucky are up there playing music together again. He will be deeply missed!
-Dean Goble and family
Ethel Roberts
December 11, 2010
To all of Bill's Family:
My prayers are with all of you. Bill was a nice person and good friend.He loved to make people smile with his music. God bless him and all his family.
Dan and Mary Middendorf
December 11, 2010
Dear Lou, Chuck, Sherrie Jo, Bill and Rich,
I am truly sorry to learn of the passing of your Dad, a fine gentleman and someone I considered a good friend always. We all had some very good times together and on those times you can now draw contentment and peace.
Prayerfully,
Dan Middendorf
Darci Chapman
December 11, 2010
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief... He was a great and gentle soul who loved all and all loved him. Sherri, Brad, Bill, Rich, Lou, Chuck & Harvey we are so sorry for your loss. Such a sudden thing, makes it all the harder to deal with. Thoughts and prayers are with you as well as You Gramma. Love you all,
Darci & David Chapman & Family.
December 11, 2010
To all of Bill's family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of loss. May your memories bring you comfort.
Pat Hartman
December 11, 2010
We will miss you Bill. He was always a
real good friend.
Prayers to his family.
Clint and Dodie Lainhart
December 11, 2010
Sherri and Brad I am so sorry about your loss My sympathy is with you He was and is a great man Lorie Linkroum-Purdy
Richard Pratt
December 11, 2010
Bill Jr.,
I am deeply sorrowed to read about the passing of your father.
Your father was a very good man, I remember talking with your father on many occasions while working at the Fairbanks Valves company.
Bill my deepest sympathies for you and your family over the loss of your father.
Sincerely,
Richard Pratt
December 11, 2010
Jean and family , so sorry to hear of you loss. My prayers are with you at this time.Joann Dyer
December 11, 2010
We would like to extend our sympathy to the Ely Family. He was a gentleman and it was an honor knowing Bill Jo Ann & Albert Fargnoli
Carol Oltz
December 11, 2010
To Bill's family - I work at Serafini Nissan and do the paperwork for the dealer trades and I just wanted to say what a sweet and outgoing man your father was. He always had a smile on his face and seemed so happy. He will be missed.
Carol Oltz
Bonnie Briggs
December 11, 2010
Dear Sherrie-Jo,
I as so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your entire family now and forever. He was a Great man and will be sorely missed but now he is at peace in heaven and back together with your mom again. There is comfort in knowing that. May God Bless and Shine on you Always!!! I miss you and we need to get together soon.
With Deepest Love and Sympathy,
Bonnie Briggs
Dick Dieffenbach
December 11, 2010
Bill was one of the nicest people I have ever had the privilege to know. We go back a long way with our love for country music. He will be missed by everyone who knew and loved him. Rest in Peace my friend.
Dick Dee
Gladys Richardson Stiness
December 11, 2010
Jean, Sorry to hear about Bill.I just can't find the right words, my prayers and thoughts are with you and the family.
Aileen & Charles Signs
December 11, 2010
Jean, Bonnie, Linda, Dale, Bobby, Ira and family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful man, always happy and bringing smiles to everyone he met. God Bless and know we are thinking of you.
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