Nellie M. Bear

Nellie Marie Bear, 98, a lifelong resident of Dover, O., was called to the more immediate presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 from Park Village Health Care Center in Dover after a period of declining health.

Born January 10, 1912 in Dover, she was a daughter of the late Anthony Schaeffer and Martha Ella “Ellie” (Rutter) Thompson. The last child of her generation, Nellie was preceded in death by five brothers and two sisters, in addition to her parents.

On September 2, 1933, Nellie married Richey Francis Bear with whom she enjoyed twenty-three years of marriage until his passing on August 26, 1956. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker who was loved and cherished by her family which includes five children, Richard Bear and his wife, Sandy, of Medina, O., Linda Gilliam and her husband, Dorsey, of Delaware, O., Thomas Bear and his wife, Karen, of Akron, Julie Chrisman and her husband, Ron, of Akron, and Sue Ellen Hoffman and her husband, Paul, of Dover with whom Nellie had resided for a number of years; twelve grandchildren; twenty-four great grandchildren; a great great granddaughter; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Nellie was a member of Dover 1st Moravian Church throughout her life and was very active in the life of her congregation. She was a member of the Moravian Women’s Fellowship, serving as a Circle Leader for many years, and of the King’s Daughters Bible Study Class. She was also a faithful member of the church’s Chancel Choir for most of her life where she was affectionately known as Aunt Nellie. She was a graduate of Dover High School and was an avid supporter of Dover Public School levies throughout her life. She worked at Stallard’s IGA in Dover from 1955 to 1973 and had also volunteered at the Dennison Depot Canteen during World War II.

Nellie’s family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Robert Ley, III for his excellent care and compassion during her illness, as well as to the staff at Park Village Health Care Center who have taken such wonderful care of her over the past seven years.

Services for Nellie, officiated by Rev. John Wallace, will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, November 29, 2010, in Dover 1st Moravian Church with a time for visitation from noon to 1:00 p.m. at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow beside her beloved husband in Evergreen Burial Park in New Philadelphia. Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to the Dover 1st Moravian Church Music Endowment Fund, 319 N. Walnut St., Dover, OH 44622.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
(740) 922-1970
www.lindseyfh.com