Elvina Marie Bollinger

Thursday, October 3, 2013
Mrs. Elvina Bollinger

Mrs. Elvina Marie Bollinger, 97, of Manila, passed from this life, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2013, at her home. Born in Modoc, Ill., she was the daughter of the late Albert and Caroline Burgett Donner and had lived most of her life in Manila. She was the widow of Melvin Lacy Bollinger, was a lifelong member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blytheville, and was an honorary member of the First United Methodist Church in Manila. Mrs. Bollinger was very active in her community, having served as Brownie and Girl Scout leader, and she was a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She was also a member of the Home Demonstration Club, the United Methodist Women, and the Business and Professional Women's Club of Manila.

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by six brothers, Francis, Leo, Henry, Joseph, Raymond and John; five sisters, Clara, Loretta, Margaret, Marie, and Rozella; and two great-granddaughters, Anna and Laura Bollinger.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Betty Bollinger of Advance, Mo.; her daughter and son-in-law, Patricia and John Ellis of Diamondhead, Miss.; one brother and sister-in-law, Otto and Elsie Donner of Manila; one sister, Lillian Fowler of Jonesboro (her late husband, Harold "Bud" Fowler). She also leaves four grandchildren, John David Bollinger, Brittany Marie Miller, Heather Renae Shah and Jonna Lynn Ellis; six great-grandchildren, William Lacy Ellis, Sydney Marie Miller, Christopher Davis Miller, Elizabeth Marie Bollinger, Boyd Michael Bollinger, David Edward Bollinger; and a host of nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends to mourn her passing.

The Mass of Christian Burial was at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blytheville with Father Felix Chirapurathel officiating. Burial followed in Manila Cemetery under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. Pallbearers were Gary Holmes, Jim Ellis, Allen Donner, Mike Adams, Tommy Fowler, Tommy Towles, Don Gentry and Gary Hamilton.

The family received friends Friday, Oct. 4, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel with Rosary to begin at 5 p.m. and visitation followed from 6-8 p.m.

The family prefers any memorials be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Blytheville, The United Methodist Women of Manila, the Manila Depot Museum Fund, or St. Francis Xavier School in Sikeston, Mo.

Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.