Mollie Eltife

Mollie Negem Eltife, 81, passed away on December 17, 2005 after her courageous battle with cancer. She reminded us daily of her perpetual faith and independence through her spirit and her smile. She kept all those around her laughing and smiling. She was born April 22, 1924 in Tyler to Jim and Melade Negem. She graduated from Tyler High School in 1941. She married Francis Paul Eltife on February 13, 1949 and traveled with him to various Air Force Bases before making their permanent home in Tyler. She was preceded in death her parents, Jim and Melade Negem, three brothers, Ernest Negem, Fred Negem, and Jimmy Negem, one sister, Mary Negem George, and her beloved husband Francis Paul (Frank) Eltife. When her husband died in 1960, as a result of his service in the United States Air Force, she was left a widow with three children ages 1 ¢ , 4 and 9. She devoted her life to her children and her Church. She loved to cook and anyone entering her home never left without eating one of Mollie's great recipes. Her smile, spirit, and excellent cuisine brought happiness to all who came in contact with her. Once you met Mollie, you were her friend for life. She was passionate about her collection of statues of the Virgin Mary. Acquiring over 800 from all over the world, she was affectionately known as the Madonna Lady. Mollie had a talent for various arts and crafts including ceramics and sewing. She was a member of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Legion of Mary. For years she donated her time at the Church arranging flowers for the Altar. She is survived by her children, Richard Steven Eltife, Laura Frances Eltife, Kevin Paul Eltife, and wife Kelly; all of Tyler, her sister Elizabeth Fox and husband Hamlin of Tyler, sister-in-laws Shirley Negem of Tyler and Mary Negem of Jonesboro, Louisiana, three grandchildren, Kevin Walker Eltife, John Francis Eltife, and John Paul Eltife, as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation to be held Monday, December 19th from 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church immediately followed by the Rosary which will be recited by Monsignor Joseph Strickland. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, 10:00 am December 20th, at the Cathedral with Monsignor Joseph Strickland and Father S. J. Blank officiating. Following the Funeral Mass, graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery under the direction of Stewart Family Funeral Home. Pallbearers are Randy Fox, Ernie Negem, Gilbert George, Joseph Murad, Don Garrett, John Walker, Aylon Crawford and Bryan Rossman. Honorary Pallbearers are Kevin Walker Eltife, John Francis Eltife and John Paul Eltife. If desired, memorials may be made to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church or Hospice of East Texas. For more information or to express condolences, visit www.stewartfamilyfuneral.com.

Mollie Eltife

April 22, 1924 - December 17, 2005