Elsie Jean, as she was affectionately known by her extensive family and friends entered into the joy of her Lord, on Tuesday, December 3, at 5:46 a.m.   After several years of declining eyesight with macular degeneration and failing physical health, the heart that was so large and full during her 93 years of life stopped and permitted her entrance to the portals that await us in Heaven.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs Louis Bogle, and her husband of 52 years, Rev. H. J. McIlrath, her second husband Lou Carpenter and all of her seven siblings, three sisters and four brothers.   She is survived by her children, Rev. Jim and Dr. Deborah McIlrath of Brunswick, Ga; Dave and Chris McIlrath of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; Pastor John and Marilyn Schouten of Newark, Ohio; and Dan and Sue McIlrath of New Castle, Pa.   Elsie has 9 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren, (with one on the way) and two great-great grandchildren on the way arriving in 2025.

Elsie and Howard's ministry began when they met each other growing up in the 210 Pearson Street Christian and Missionary Alliance Church in New Castle, Pa.   Both of their families lived and served that great church. Howard and Elsie Jean served churches that were United Methodist, Christian and Missionary Alliance, and Missionary Church Association.   Wherever Howard and Elsie Jean served in ministry, she made a loving home for her family, even though she moved approximately 30 times in her lifetime.

Her life was composed of being a homemaker.  After the children were in school, she was an Assistant Financial Aid Director for Asbury College (now University) helping students get financial aid for tuition. She organized and worked in the Women's Missionary Organization of the C&MA Churches they served; she organized activities for the enjoyment of summer residents of Mahaffey Camp; she also served on the staff of Geneva College, and Liberty Christian Academy, a school their son Dave founded.

Elsie Jean was blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, and sang in the church ministries where they served.   Perhaps the high point of her musical presentations was when she sang THE HOLY CITY in Jerusalem, at Gordon's Tomb, in Israel.

She loved the Lord, was a student of the Word, and exampled to her family what it truly means to be a prayer warrior. The last seven plus years of her life were spent in the care of her daughter Marilyn, and her husband John Schouten in Newark OH, where a beautiful mother-in-law suite was prepared to care for her.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Mahaffey Christian Camp and Conference Center: Po Box 277, Mahaffey, Pa.   15757. The family will be purchasing a beautiful gathering bench in their parent's memory at the Mahaffey campground to honor their years of ministry with the Christian Missionary Alliance Church.

The memorial service of her life, will be held at Vensil and Chute Funeral Home in Newark, OH on Thursday December 12. Visitation at 11:00, and service at 12:00 noon.   Burial will be beside her husband H.J. McIlrath at Camp Nelson, Nicholasville, Ky on Friday, December 13.