OBIT: Kenneth Leroy Ellenberger (formerly of Chicora)

Kenneth Leroy Ellenberger, 88, of Grove City, Pa. - formerly of Kittanning Pike, Chicora - passed away Monday, January 21, 2013 at Orchard Manor in Grove City.

He was born March 14, 1924 in Kaylor, Butler County to Ralph L. and Beryl Irene (Kamerer) Ellenberger.

Ken was a graduate of Karns City High School and spent most of his life in the area. He served with the U.S. Army in Belgium during World War II as a radioman.

Ken was a member of the former Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church and worked as a switchman for United Telephone in Butler until his retirement in the early 1980s. He was also a member of the Argyle Lodge #540 F&AM Masonic Lodge in Chicora.

Ken had many favorite past times throughout his life; he collected Indian artifacts and Indian art, enjoyed old cars, trains and steam engines. He will be especially remembered for his friendly disposition and his ability to strike up a conversation with whomever he met.
His memory will be carried on by his loving wife of 24 years, Martha (Rider) Ellenberger, who he married March 9, 1988; three sons: Kenneth Michael Ellenberger, of Butler, Ralph David Ellenberger and wife, Margaret “Peggy”, of Chicora, and John L. Ellenberger, of Monongahela; five grandchildren: David Ellenberger, Nathan Ellenberger, Matthew Ellenberger, Christina Ellenberger and Carrie Monahan; and two great-grandchildren: Shelby Ellenberger and Michael Monahan.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents.
Relatives and friends may visit from 2-4 and 6-8 PM tomorrow, Wednesday, January 23, 2013, at the Bauer-Hillis Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., in Petrolia, Pa. where a masonic service will be held at 5:45PM.
Additional visitation will be held from 10AM until the time of funeral services at 11AM at the funeral home Thursday, January 24, 2013, with the Rev. Joseph Boomhower officiating.

Full military honors presented by the VFW Post 7876 and the American Legion Post 642 of Chicora and Post 488 of Brady’s Bend will follow funeral services at the funeral home.

Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Cemetery in Chicora.

Contributions may be made in Ken’s memory to Butler County Humane Society, 1015 Evans City Rd., Renfrew, PA 16053.

To view a video tribute honoring Ken’s life or to express an online condolence to his family, please visit www.bauerhillisfuneral.com.