Ella A. Hauser

April 15, 1920 - January 8, 2012

Ella A. Hauser, 91, of St. Joseph died on Sunday, January 08, 2012, at the Royalton Manor. Arrangements are by the Dey-Florin Chapel of Florin Funeral Service in St. Joseph. 983-1514. Ella (Ryman) Chesher Hauser Was born in Dalmatia, Croatia, in 1920 to WW1 Navy man Robert Ryman and his wartime bride, Katarina Kavian. Robert brought his young family home to the United States soon after he received his honorable discharge following his term of service. Ella was raised in Florida and became a Berrien County MI resident in1948 following her marriage to Arthur Chesher, a native resident. Art and Ella would go dancing with friends at the Paw Paw landmark, the Crystal Palace (fire destroyed it in 1965) and were avid card players in their home and friends' homes. Ella took an active role in the community serving as a Girl Scout Leader (1951-1956), and a member of the Mercy Hospital Auxiliary (1953-1958), Blossomtime Queen Committee (1957), and the Merry Mrs. Club of the St. Joseph YWCA (for several years). She formerly worked for Pearson Construction Company as an administrative assistant. Her first marriage to Harold L. Kindred in Florida ended in divorce. Husbands Arthur H. Chesher and Lester G. Hauser preceded her in death, as did her three younger sisters, parents, and one grandson. Ella enjoyed gardening, quilting, and genealogy. Her mouth-watering recipes of spaghetti sauce, casserole, and chicken and dumplings will be passed down to future generations of family members. She not only had the traditional interests and hobbies, but kept up with technology. An avid computer user until her death, Ella kept in frequent contact with out-of-state family members by e-mail. Cremation has taken place per Ella’s request & visitation with the family will be posted later in the Herald Palladium obituary. Donations may be made to the Humane Society or the donors’ choice. The family asks that you memorialize Ella in your hearts, thoughts and prayers. She will be deeply missed by friends and her surviving family members: Three children: Sara Gathright (John), St. Joseph, MI Jeanne Johnson (Kent), Tarpon Springs, FL John Chesher (Gwynne), Wellington, FL 10 Grandchildren: John and Lynne Gathright; Karen Kauffman; Matthew, Brian, and Carrie Johnson; Erik, Ian, Nicholas, and Joelle Kerns 14 Great Grandchildren: Tristan “TJ” Weber; Sara “Sunny” Gathright; Carmella Johnson; Nathan Borst; Savier, Sinaiya, Michael, MayLee, Leah, Nicholas, Aaden, Leah, Emma, and Ellie Kerns. [NOTE: Two individuals are named Leah.]