Rhea Jane (Ellet) Huffman

Rhea Jane Ellett Huffman, age 96, of Alliance, passed away Sunday, September 1, 2019, surrounded by her daughters at Alliance Community Care Center.

She was born, June 6, 1923, in Alliance, Ohio to Glenn W. and Lottie G. (Hoppes) Ellett.

Rhea was a 1941 graduate of Alliance High School. She was employed as the first female to work for Superior Dairy and also worked at the Alliance Auto Club and McCaskey Register. She retired from Deioma Trucking Company in 1985 after 17 years of service. Previously she volunteered with the Red Cross and Alliance City Hospital.

She was an 83 year member of the First Christian Church in Alliance: it’s Disciples of Christ, Crusader’s Sunday school class and church volunteer, and member of the American Legion Auxiliary No. 166 and Swinging Sixty’s Bowling League.

Rhea was an avid walker, enjoyed exercising at the church and loved reading and especially spending time with her family and church family.

Survivors include daughters, Pamela S. Kotzbacher and Patricia L. Johnson; four grandchildren, Robert Kotzbacher, Michael (Nikki) Kotzbacher, Danielle Johnson, and Dustin (Jessica) Johnson; and four great-grandchildren, Mara Kotzbacher, Seth Kotzbacher, Noah Johnson and Cameron Johnson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Willard R. Huffman whom she married April 11, 1942, and who passed away April 12, 1993; and sisters, Virginia Ellett in 1918 and Lois Anne Crist who passed away October 14, 2009.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday the 6th at First Christian Church with Sue DeHoff officiating. Friends may call from 10-11 a.m. Interment will be held at Highland Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rhea’s memory to the First Christian Church of Alliance 1141 W. Beech St. Alliance, OH 44601.

Rhea’s family wishes to thank Sheila and Tim Pendleton at The Haven and the staff at Community Care for their excellent care.

Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home 75 S. Union Ave. Alliance, OH 44601.