On the afternoon of Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, well-known former Canton resident Ella M. (Evans) Meeker passed away quietly at Manor Care, Jersey Shore. She was 81 years of age. Born in a logging camp at Taylor Run, Tioga County, she was the daughter of Raymond J. and Lila Irene (Lewis) Evans. She was the wife of the late Eldon "Red" Meeker with whom she raised a son and four daughters. In addition to her home making responsibilities, Ella worked outside of the home. She was employed for a while at Canford's in Canton, and later at the Ward foundry in Blossburg. But she is best remembered as having served as a school bus driver for the Canton Area School District for nearly 40 years. During her career, she drove for Avery's, Lloyd Herman, Eric Anderson, Jerome Wynne and Krise's. Her love of children was expressed in her mentoring of them as a 4-H leader. Ella, herself a woman of deep faith, also helped to spiritually guide young people as a Sunday School teacher at the Church of Christ (Disciples) in Canton. She also had a close rapport with the church's traveling youth performing group, Stained Glass, whom she chauffeured around to various churches in the Mid-Atlantic region. Ella was active in the Pomona and Ogdensburg Granges, the Innes Hose Company and the former Canton Ambulance Association (now Western Alliance) serving many years as an ambulance driver. She also enjoyed knitting and sewing and being with her beloved family.
She is survived by her son, Larry (Julie) Meeker of Covington; daughters, Lois Kay (Donald) Thompson of Wellsboro, Linda Rae (Larry) Rife of Mt. Joy, Pa., Lana Gay Baker of Huntersville, Pa., Leita Faye (Michael) Clark of Jersey Shore; brothers, Raymond (Joyce) Evans of Powhatan, Va., Alden (Ann) Evans of Bodines, Merlin (Dorothy) Evans of Tabiona, Utah; sister, Wilma Saunders of Boyertown; and sisters-in-law, Carol Evans, Hazel Meeker and Joyce Meeker; as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, "Red" Meeker; brothers, Glen, Paul and Roland Evans; and son-in-law, Robert Baker.
Calling hours will be Sunday, Sept. 2, from noon until 2 p.m. at the Church of Christ (Disciples), 170 N. Minnequa Ave., Canton. Service will follow at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Duane Taylor officiating. Interment will follow in east Canton Cemetery. The family will provide the flowers and suggests that memorial contributions be directed to Appalachian Horse Help & Rescue, 1201 Yergers Road, Linden, PA 17741. Professional services entrusted to Morse & Kleese.
