Ella Mae Crossland

Ella Mae Crossland was born in Pulaski County, Missouri, to Glen Truman Stewart and Ada Lea (Green) Stewart on August 9, 1932. Ella Mae met John Kemmel Crossland and the two were married on December 24, 1949, and would spend the next sixty-three years together side by side until John’s passing on January 15, 2012. Their lives were built upon the love they had for one another and trusting God to lead the way. Their home was blessed with all the laughter three children could bring. Ella Mae loved her family deeply and enjoyed caring for the family’s home while living in East Peoria, Illinois, where John worked for Caterpillar Company for thirty years before he, and Ella Mae moved back to the Richland area in 1978, enjoying life on the farm. Ella Mae loved God and made a profession of faith at an early age. She was a member of the former New Hope Freewill Baptist Church on highway A near Richland for many years. She loved working and building God’s kingdom, whether teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, or helping wherever the need may be; Ella Mae loved serving her Lord. She, and John greatly enjoyed going to singings around the area and loved singing praises in a gospel group. She was a woman of many talents. Ella Mae made beautiful cakes for birthdays and weddings. She greatly enjoyed little children and had a cookie for all the neighborhood kids, she also babysat in her home. Ella Mae loved having company and was a wonderful host, making everyone feel right at home. She greatly enjoyed going to the woods to turkey hunt or find her favorite fishing hole just to drop her line into the water. Ella Mae was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband, John, two sisters, Elva Lea Henson, and Gladys Reardon; one brother, Donald Stewart; two grandsons, Chad, and Todd. Ella Mae went home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior on the quiet, peaceful morning of Monday, May 29, 2023, having attained the age of ninety years. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, two sons: Donald K. (Marilyn) Crossland of Peoria, IL; Larry (Brenda) Crossland of Richland, MO; one daughter: Diana L. (Tim) Richey of East Peoria, IL; 10 grandchildren: Ella, Genovia, Jesse, Mariah, Travis, Teton, Jake, Jacy, Kat, and Rob; 24 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-granddaughter; one sister-in-law: Shirley Stewart of Washington, IL; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Faith and family were most important to Ella Mae. You never had to guess if she was a Christian. Ella Mae lived out her faith each day as she loved God. Ella Mae reached a place of everlasting peace, home, with those she longed to see, alongside Jesus Christ. She is gone from our sight however; we too can choose Him and see her again one day in heaven. Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 3, 2023, in the Memorial Chapel of Richland with Pastor Gary Humphrey officiating. Jacy Biggs sang, “In the Garden” and Stacy Green sang specials, one being, “It Is Well With My Soul.” Serving as pallbearers were Zach Ritzheimer, Gavin Ritzheimer, Travis Crossland, Teton Crossland, Tyert Pritchett, Stacy Green, Jesse Crossland, and Jake Brasher. Burial followed in the Buckhorn Baptist Cemetery of Buckhorn, Missouri. Services were under the care and direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Ella Mae Crossland and may be left at the funeral home.

Ella Mae Crossland

August 9, 1932 - May 29, 2023