Eleanor L. Stauffer, 101

September 20, 2025

Eleanor Lillian Stauffer (Ellie to her friends and golfing partners) of Lititz, PA died peacefully on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with her family by her side at Luther Acres after a short illness. Born in Ephrata, PA, she was the daughter of Charles C. and Esther M. (Crowther) Gerhard. She was married to J. Richard (Dick) Stauffer for 70 years, who predeceased her in 2014. Ellie was also preceded in death by two sons, Thomas S. Stauffer, who died in 1972 and James R. Stauffer who died in May 2024, husband of Shirley (Crouse) Stauffer. Surviving is her son Richard, husband of Adele (Michener) Stauffer; grandchildren: Thomas Stauffer (Shannon), Julie Kennedy (Joseph), Jonathan Stauffer (Angela), Jocelyn Stauffer; and great-grandchildren Kaelyn and Mason Stauffer, Ruby Rose Barna, Nova Pearl Kennedy, and Franky Stauffer.

Ellie graduated from Ephrata High School in 1941. During part of her high school years, she was the secretary for the newly formed Ephrata Hospital, which at that time was operated by the Spiritualists. After graduation, she was a billing clerk for the Lancaster Newspapers. She was married to J. Richard Stauffer on December 4, 1943, just before he joined the Army Air Corps during World War II. After training, Dick was stationed at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, and Ellie accompanied him for part of the time he was stationed at Wright Patterson. After her husband returned home from WWII, he was instrumental in forming an electrical construction firm, and designing and building a mobile home park on his grandfather’s land in Rothsville, PA. Ellie was involved in both of those businesses, on a part time basis.

In their retirement years, Ellie and Dick moved to a townhome in Lititz. They became members of the Lebanon Country Club where they frequently played golf with their friends. They spent winters in Florida at Lake Fairways in North Fort Myers, and were golfing members of the Lake Fairways Country Club. In later years, when their health started to decline, they first moved to a townhome at Luther Acres in Lititz, PA, and subsequently to an apartment there. Ultimately Ellie moved to the Personal Care Unit at Luther Acres, and moved to Nursing care in April 2024, where she resided until her demise.

Ellie was a founding member of First United Methodist Church in Ephrata, and supported the church’s programs for her entire life.

The viewing and interment will be private, at the discretion of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Luther Acres Caring Fund, 600 E. Main Street, Lititz, PA 17543. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit: SnyderFuneralHome.com.