Ralph Ella Sr.

Ralph “Papa” Ella Sr., 88, of Manheim passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy. Born in Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Mary Gordon Strohm and his step-father the late Edgar Strohm. He was the loving husband of Josephine I. Shirk Ella and they would have celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary in December. Ralph retired after forty-five years from the former Raymark Industries, Manheim. Following retirement, he worked for over twenty-seven years at the Manheim Auto Auction. Ralph proudly served in the United States Navy. He was an active and faithful member of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, Manheim where he served as an usher for many years. He was also a member of the Manheim Masonic Lodge #587 F&AM; past Grand Tall Cedar of Lancaster Forest #27; and a lifetime member of the Lititz American Legion Post #0056; Manheim VFW Post #5956; Elstonville Sportsmen Association, Manheim; and the Germania Band Club, Manheim. His interests included hunting, fishing, reading and he loved to spend time with his family.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Ralph Jr., husband of Julie Lightner Ella of Manheim; two daughters, Debra A., wife of Mark W. Romberger of Manheim and Linda, wife of Richard Ressler of Wasilla, Alaska; six grandchildren, Melissa, wife of James High; Daniel, husband of Tracy Ella; Amanda, wife of Justin Steffek; Abby Romberger; Casey, husband of Tracy Ressler; Kellie, wife of Jaden Alvstad; five great grandchildren, Nicole, Travis, Hunter, Madison, Samuel; and a brother, Charles, husband of Pauline Miller Ella of Lititz. He was preceded in death by a brother, Ronald Lee Strohm.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his memorial service at Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 48 Market Square, Manhiem on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 10:30 AM. Friends may visit with the family at the church from 9:00 AM until the time of service. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Those desiring may send contributions in Ralph’s memory to Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church, 48 Market Square, Manheim, PA 17545.