Ellen G. “Nellie” Raver, age 83, of East 1st Street, Waterford, died Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at Edinboro Manor after a short illness. Born in Irwin, PA on May 26, 1926, she was the daughter of the late Edward and Sarah McClain Hensler.
Raver, Ellen G. Shortly after marrying her husband, Dean D. Raver, Nellie and her young family moved to Waterford. After her children were older, Nellie began working at the former Elgin Electronics in Waterford. She worked there for many years and then later managed the Lakeside Tavern and the American Legion, both in Waterford. She remained active at the Legion for many years, was a member of the Legion Auxiliary, and played on their Pool Team. Even in her older years, Nellie loved playing pool and was often cheered on by the other league members. Nellie also was a member of the Waterford Lioness Club.
She is preceded in death by her husband in 1978, Dean D. Raver; a son, Robert Raver in 1985; and four brothers, Thomas, Edward “Ned”, Donald, and Glenn “Chick” Hensler.
Survivors include three children, Dean Raver and wife Bonni, and David Raver, all of Waterford; and Diane Raver of Erie; her grandchildren who were the “light of her life”, Jackie Steever and husband Sam of Erie, and Robert Raver of Pittsburgh; and her great-granddaughter, Erin Steever.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Funeral Home of Waterford on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9pm and may attend funeral services there on Saturday at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Waterford Cemetery.