Ellen L. Brooker

Ellen L. Brooker, 55, of New Philadelphia, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2008 in Aultman Hospital at Canton, Ohio following a short illness.A daughter of Harold and Marjorie (Standley) Rice, Ellen was born on August 9, 1953 in Gallipolis, Ohio.Ellen graduated from Meigs High School in 1971 and then attended Scioto County Technical Institute. She was previously employed as a Librarian at South Elementary School in the New Philadelphia School District and currently the Librarian at the Sugarcreek Branch of the Tuscarawas County Library.She had a passion for volunteering and dedicating her time and efforts to many service organizations. Ellen enjoyed children, singing in various choirs, traveling, touring the countryside looking at wildlife, cross stitch and knitting and family gatherings. She also cared deeply for others. Ellen was also famous for her cakes and pies and especially her homemade frosting.Ellen is survived by her husband, Andy Brooker, whom she married on May 13, 1978 at Rutland, Ohio; her daughter and son-in-law, Ashley Marie and Jason Schmachtenberger of Jacksonville, North Carolina and her newborn grandson, Jason Cameron Schmachtenberger.Her siblings, David (Mary Jane) Rice of Rutland, Ohio, Paul (Kathy) Rice of Pomeroy, Ohio and Rosemary (Gary) Huffman of Pt. Pleasant, West Virginia and several nieces and nephews complete the family.Ellen will be sadly missed by many special friends and of course by “The Sisters”.Friends may call on Sunday, November 2, 2008 from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A funeral service celebrating Ellen’s life will be held on Monday, November 3, 2008 at 11 a.m. in New Pointe Community Church at Dover with Pastor Chad Stutzman officiating. A memorial reception will follow the service at the church. A committal service will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 1 p.m. in Rutland Cemetery at Rutland, OhioContributions may be made in Ellen’s memory to the South Elementary School Library, 132 Providence Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663 or to the Tuscarawas County Library, 121 Fair Avenue NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.