Reverend Ella Louise (Graham) Peyton
Dec. 15, 1927 - Nov. 4, 2014
Ella Louise (Graham) Peyton of Anderson died Nov. 4, 2014 after a short illness and long exemplary life.
She was born December 15, 1927 to Russell and Beulah (Mundy) Graham, but lovingly raised by her Father and Stepmother, Ruth (Bowyer) Graham.
She graduated from Anderson High and Anderson College. She served as Executive Director for YWCA's in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin and New Jersey. After retirement, she began ministry studies at Franklin College and was ordained as a Reverend in the American Baptist Church. She served as the Pastor of Senior Activities at First Baptist Church, where she had been baptized at age 13. She remained active in her ministry until two weeks before her death, visiting church seniors and bringing communion. She also led services at two nursing homes.
She married Harold Peyton in 1949, and they enjoyed their extended family. They also enjoyed square dancing and visiting most of the US, as well as Mexico. She also visited Australia, Europe, Central and South America. Last November, she enjoyed a Caribbean cruise. She especially enjoyed her friends at First Baptist Church, Redbud Quilt Guild, In Stitches Quilt Retreat, Victoria Guild and Madison County Home Extension.
Reverend Peyton had a long history of serving others. She led the Brownie Troop for her daughter and served as PTA President. She was a Worthy Matron of Eastern Star, and Guardian for Job's Daughters. She served as President of several organizations including Zonta, Madison County Home Extension and Victoria Guild. She served as Treasurer of several organizations including the Indiana State Quilt Guild. She was currently serving as
Eastern Area Chair of the Indiana Hospital Auxiliaries Association.
She received many honors in her life, including the Women In Achievement Award for Outstanding Not for Profit/Social Work. She was appointed by the Governor of Wisconsin to the Council on Domestic Abuse, and created a Women's Shelter in Wisconsin.
She is survived by her son, Norm (Evelyn) Peyton; daughter, Linda Clear; sister, Mildred Frazier; and daughters-in-law Beverly Peyton and Margaret Peyton. Grandchildren include Debbie Alexander, Susan Rybarczyk, William Prieur, Darin Prieur, Randy Prieur, Renee Smith, Melody Di Ruzza, Michelle Peyton, Lance Peyton, Ronda Peyton, Stephanie Gengrich, Debbie Moody, Kelly Hall and Cameron Clear, plus many great and great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Harold Peyton, son Don Peyton, son Ron Peyton and daughter Norma (Lloyd) Prieur. She was also preceded in death by granddaughters Cindy Peyton, Lisa Cohee, Tammy Sigler, and infant grandson Prieur.
Services will be held Friday, November 7, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church, 907 North Raible Avenue, Anderson with Dr. Art Jaggard and Reverend Sherry Cochran officiating.
Visitation will at the Church from 1 pm until the service at 3 pm.
Burial will be in Anderson Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be given to First Baptist Church to establish a fund to further the ministry to seniors. This honors Rev. Peyton's passion for learning from the church seniors, as well as serving them through activities and visitation. She had hoped to create a ministerial group that would focus on how best to serve seniors.
Rozelle-Johnson Funeral Service handled the arrangements.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.