Ella Marie (Stauffer) HUMKE

STAUFFER, HUMKE, GROUT, CASTLE, CARLSON, AYERS, COUSINS, OLIVER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/28/2009 at 12:18:19

ELLA M. STAUFFER HUMKE

During the early morning hours of Saturday, July 13, 2002, the Lord called home his faithful servant Ella Marie Stauffer Humke, 97, while she was in Memorial Hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit in Towanda. Born April 4, 1905, in Wright County, IA, just outside Webster City, she was the seventh of eight children in the family of Frederick L. and Edith Grout Stauffer. While she was still a young child the family moved to Rush City, MN, where she remained until adulthood. In 1922 a handsome young minister named Herman C. Humke, himself an Iowa native and only recently out of seminary, was called as pastor of her family’s church. A beautiful romance soon blossomed, and following her high school graduation in June of 1923 they were untied in marriage. They were more than husband and wife. They were a team in the service of the Lord. She was the quintessential pastor’s wife, serving as his secretary and helping him with many important behind-the-scenes aspects of his ministry. The wife of a minister is not one of life’s easiest roles. One must possess the gifts of patience, humility, gentleness, compassion, and generosity. She had all of these attributes and more. Her quiet demeanor, sparkling eyes and friendly smile helped her to win friends wherever she would go. From 1928 to 1958, the Humkes resided in Punxsutawney, PA where her husband served as pastor of the local Presbyterian Church. She involved herself with all manner of church groups and activities, volunteering countless hours with camp programs and conferences. In 1958 they moved to Canton where together they served the former First Presbyterian Church, now Canton Ecumenical Parish, until Rev. Humke’s retirement in 1963. While in Canton, Mrs. Humke was an active member of the Village Improvement association and the Canton Literary club. In 1963 the couple moved to White Haven, PA where Rev. Humke served as a substitute preacher wherever necessary. She continued to involve herself in the works of the faith community and among other things, served as secretary of the local ministerium. In 1978, the Humkes returned to Canton, residing on Brann Street. Their wonderful 59-year partnership ended with Rev. Humke’s death on October 8, 1982. She continued her service to her church and community for more than a decade until physical limitations made her take a step back. In her spare time Mrs. Humke was an avid reader, loved to crochet, and enjoyed written correspondence with friends whereby she could pass along the latest jokes or humorous stories. She had been an active participant in the I.H.S. Adult Sunday School class, enjoying the in-depth study of the Scriptures and the Christian fellowship.

Surviving are her daughter, Joyce (and T. Roger) Castle, Canton RR 2; sister, Marion Carlson, Rush City, MN; grandchildren: (Lori (and Kevin) Ayers, Canton, Mary Cousins and Bob Cousins, Harrisburg, Thomas (and Michelle) Castle, Roaring Branch, PA; great-grandchildren, Adrian Oliver, Thomas Castle, Tyrell Ayers, Shilynn Castle, Heather and Nicole Cousins, and Adam Ayers; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Her husband, Herman C. Humke, preceded her in death. A private family viewing will be held at Morse and Kleese funeral Home, followed by interment in east Canton Cemetery. A Memorial Service and celebration of Mrs. Humke’s life will be conducted at the Canton Ecumenical Parish on Saturday, July 20, at 11:15 a.m., with her minister, Pastor Dean Walrath, and longtime friend, the Rev. Allen Hulslander, officiating. Visitations will be held from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Contributions in Mrs. Humke’s memory may be directed to the Canton Ecumenical Parish Memorial Fund.

Canton Independent Sentinel, Ohio
July 2002