BUTLER: Eleanora “Ellie” Hitchman, 97, of Butler, slipped peacefully from this world on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Winchester Terrace Nursing Home. She was born June 2, 1928 in Mansfield to Kenneth and Grace (Baker) Wareham.
A proud graduate of Butler High School, Class of 1946, and Mansfield Business College in 1947, Ellie carried her sharp mind and steady work ethic into everything she touched. Beginning at Martin Hardware, where she worked as manager’s assistant. On February 21, 1948, she married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Hitchman, beginning a partnership that grew into both a family and a family business. Ellie worked alongside Dick at Hitchman’s Insurance Agency for more than 40 years, keeping the books with a meticulous hand and an unwavering sense of responsibility. She retired in 1993, leaving behind a legacy of diligence and devotion.
Faith was the guiding melody of Ellie’s life. A faithful and lifelong member of Caesarea Baptist Church, she taught Sunday School and Junior Church for an extraordinary 52 years. She also was very active in Child Evangelism. Her prayer list, long as her arm and lifted daily without fail, was her way of wrapping those she loved—tightly in care.
Ellie was also blessed with an artist’s eye. She shared that gift generously, teaching art classes and home-school art at Lexington Grace Brethren Church, encouraging young hands and hearts to create. Outside the classroom, her vegetable and flower gardens were another canvas, one she tended with the same patience that shaped her art.
And then there was her cooking—beloved and unmatched. Family favorites included her hollandaise sauce, homemade pies, cakes, potato salad, and swiss steak which became treasured recipes.
Ellie’s greatest joy was her family. Especially her grandkids who she loved to shower with prayer and love. Ellie rarely missed sporting events and school functions. She was their biggest cheerleader.
She is survived by her children David Hitchman of Mansfield; Susan Evans of Mansfield; Jeff (Kim) Hitchman of Galion; and Jamie Hitchman of Mansfield; her grandchildren Kristen (Joshua), Jenna (Chaz), James (McKenzie), Lauren (Derek), Senah (Dane), Jon (Jill), Jasmine (Will), Ariel (Jacob), Nathan, Misti (Justin), Corey (Allison), and Cody (Annie); 25 great-grandchildren; brother Buzz (Joan) Wareham; special friends Jo Smith, Anita Ryan and Debbie Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved her dearly.
She was preceded in death by her husband Richard Hitchman; her siblings Frances (Albert) Hitchman, Hal (Bonnie) Wareham; and her sisters-in-law Roxanna McAuley, Julia Sorquist, and Connie Workman.
Visitation will be Monday, December 8, 2025 from 10 am- 12 pm, in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where her funeral will begin at 12 noon. Burial will follow in Zion Four Corners Cemetery near Butler.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gentiva Hospice.