Esther Ellen McVay 1905-2009

Esther Ellen McVay was born March 9, 1905 near Atlanta, MO. She was the daughter of William Henry and Bertha Lenora (Belfield) McVay. She passed away August 31, 2009 at Houston House, Houston, MO. at the age of 104.

She first attended rural school and later graduated from LaPlata High School in 1923. Ellen began teaching at a country school in 1923 and graduated from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in 1930. She taught in numerous country schools in Northeast Missouri and one country school in Texas County before joining the staff of Houston High School in 1945, teaching history, government and English for the next 25 years.

Ellen was active in many professional organizations including; Delta Kappa Gamma (honorary teachers society), National Education Association and Missouri Teachers Association. She was a sponsor at Houston High School for chess club, social studies club, and future teachers club, junior and or senior classes and many other school sponsored activities. Ellen served as tutor for disabled students in the home bound program.

Ellen had been very active in community projects such as; Houston Public Library, Nurses Health Department. She was contacted by Governor Hearns to help start the local Senior Citizens Center where she worked as a volunteer for many years. She served 11 years on the board of Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, helped form Texas County Mental Health Agency where she served on the board for 12 years, Missouri State White House on Aging, Silver haired legislature and Governors advocacy on aging. Ellen earned a certificate of appreciation from four Governors for her community improvement projects. She was a member of Chamber of Commerce for 7 years where she served on Community Betterment committees.

She was a member of AAUW, the DAR and had done extensive work in genealogy. Ellen was a member of the Methodist Church since 1920 where she served in various capacities.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, three brothers; Walter, Forrest and Gale, and a sister Madge Moncrief.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.

Ellen had a long and meaningful life. She touched and influenced many people. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Pine Lawn Cemetery