Ellen V. Dolph, 87, Malvern

Ellen Valeria Dolph, age 87, of Malvern, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2009, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs. Funeral services were held at Mansfield-Hertz Funeral Home in Malvern, Friday, Jan. 23, 2009. Officiating was Rev. Carl Phillips of Malvern United Methodist Church. Interment was in South Grove Cemetery, rural Hastings.

The only child of Annie Areta (Davis) and June Wortman Dolph, she was born on Aug. 15, 1921, on the family farm in Deer Creek Township, located between Hastings and Strahan. She graduated from Strahan Consolidated School in 1941.

She was the fourth generation owner of the original homestead in the South Grove area. It was founded in 1849 by her great grandfather, Aaron Dolph, a native of New York State. With each Dolph generation, the farm specialized in livestock and grain.

While living at her home, Ms. Dolph maintained a lovely lawn, beautiful flowers and a substantial garden in her love of the century farm. She was very proud that her farm was one of the oldest established in Mills County. She was also an avid reader and very knowledgeable with past and current events.

In November 2002, she moved to the Manor of Malvern. She later moved to Acorn Acres in Red Oak and then to an apartment in Malvern. In May of 2008, she returned to the Manor.

Ms. Dolph was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her neighbors and friends.

Memorials suggested to the Strahan United Methodist Church.