SEYMOUR
Beautiful and loving, warm, and caring, Ellanor (Ellie) Miriam Hoeferkamp, 87, was called home to eternal glory on April 29, 2022. A woman of great Christian faith, Ellie had the sweetest of smiles, a smile that was ever present and brought others together; a smile that reflected her love for her family that was unceasing; and above all, a smile that was founded upon by her love for and devotion to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the Cornerstone of her life. She was the most devoted wife, the most wonderful mom, the most kind, outgoing and happy of people. Even in her final years, afflicted with dementia, her smile and faith persisted and brought joy to others. She will be dearly, dearly missed, but her love will live on in all who knew her.
Ellie was born in Columbus, Indiana on May 15, 1934, to the late Bert and Roseada (Pence) Pruitt. While at Columbus High School, Ellie met Harold. They married in Jonesville, Indiana, with Harold’s father, pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, officiating. Over the next 22 years, Ellie and Harold raised their four children while moving frequently with Harold’s U.S. Army assignments, including two unaccompanied, year-long overseas tours. This necessitated Ellie raising the family by herself during these times—she was a rock for her children, while always remaining faithful in service to her Lord.
While Harold prepared for his second career as a Lutheran minister, Ellie completed her BA in Sociology at Indiana University Fort Wayne, as she had once promised her father she would. Her transition from being an important part of the Army to being a Pastor’s wife was met with the same devotion and dedication. Reverend Harold’s congregations were blessed by her Christian love and the many ways in which she led others in their walks of faith.
During their retirement to Gulf Shores, Alabama, Ellie and Harold were faithful members of St. Jude’s By the Sea Lutheran Church and enjoyed the beach that Ellie loved. They both moved to the Lutheran Community Home in Seymour, Indiana in late 2021 and became members of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jonesville, the same church in which they were married over 66 years earlier.
Ellie is survived by her husband, Harold Hoeferkamp; her sons, John (Melanie) Hoeferkamp, Richard (Kay) Hoeferkamp, James (Kathleen) Hoeferkamp; her daughter, Jane Hoeferkamp; and her twelve grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Pence Pruitt, and her sisters, Rosejane Smith, and Constance Schafer.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 2, 2022, from 9:30 am to the time of service at 10:30 am at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Jonesville, Indiana. Burial will follow the service to Saint Paul Lutheran Cemetery.
The family requests memorial contributions be made in care of Voss and Sons Funeral Service to: The Lutheran Hour; Concordia Seminary St. Louis, MO; Concordia Theological Seminary Ft. Wayne, IN; or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Ellie was faithful unto death, and thus we are assured she has now received the crown of everlasting life…where she is still sending “lots of love, MEG” (mom, Ellie, grandma), and where her smile will forever continue.
All arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Voss and Sons Funeral Service.
