Persis Ann Ely's Obituary
Persis Ann [PA] (Westfall) Ely, 87, of Hudson, Florida, passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025 at home, with her loving husband Stan and son Mark by her side, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Born on May 27, 1938 in Springfield, Ohio, PA grew up in a close-knit and hard-working family that loved sports of all kinds (football, basketball, baseball, tennis, golf, swimming, etc.). She was a devoted wife to Stan Ely, whom she met in May 1954 when her future husband noticed this “pretty girl next door” when he was visiting his Father in Springfield. Stan’s Dad invited the girl over to their house that evening, and that was the start of a life-long romance. Stan was a great high school athlete (and future high school coach), so that fit in well with her family’s love of sports. They shared 66 beautiful years of marriage; PA was a wonderful “coach’s wife” who supported her husband and sons during momentous victories, as well as devastating losses. She was always there for her family, and had grown up dreaming of being a good wife and mother. She definitely succeeded at living that dream. When she was informed of her cancer diagnosis, she wasn’t afraid of her fate, because of her strong faith in the Lord. She would say many times “I’ve lived a wonderful life, and had three great sons”.
PA was the proud mother of three sons: David Kyle, Stephen Alan, and Mark Randolph. She poured her heart into raising them and they loved her with all their heart. She cheered at countless sporting events, and instilled values of kindness, selflessness, and family first. She had a quiet strength and a gentle sense of humor that differed from her siblings’ outgoing personalities who loved their older sister dearly. She faced her difficult cancer battle with such grace that the employees at the Florida Cancer Specialists facility were always amazed by how much she smiled, even through the difficulties of chemotherapy and surgery.
In addition to her husband and sons, PA is survived by her loving sister Marlene Hays (married to John Hays), her seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends. She was predeceased by her loving parents and her brothers Douglas Westfall and Phillip Westfall.
A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on September 17 at Grace Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church of Hudson, Florida in PA's memory.
In addition, a graveside service will be held in October, 2025 at the family site at Rosedale cemetery in Champaign County, Ohio (provided by Vernon Funeral Home).
PA will be deeply missed but forever remembered for the love she gave so freely. May she rest in eternal peace.
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