Ella Elizabeth Schoning, 96, of Hallsville, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2024, at her home.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM Friday December 27, 2024, at the Red Top Christian Church with burial to follow in the Red Top Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until the time of the service on Friday at the church.

Ella was born on February 11, 1928, the daughter of Robert and Golda (Meyer) Knecht. Ella was a graduate of Roxanna High School in Illinois.

On October 9, 1949, Ella married Marion “Mart” Schoning, and he preceded her in death on July 26, 1997. Ella is survived by her daughters, Janet Samuels of Hallsville, and Peggy Jacobs (Steve) of Bentonville, AR; son-in-law, Gene Melloway of Hallsville; grandchildren, Jeff Samuels, Amy Samuels, Jason Samuels (Bridgit), Kristen Samuels, Daniel Walker, Courtney Walker, Angie Mabe (James), Adam Melloway (Krystle), Stephanie Chisholm (Maurice), Greg Melloway (Haylee); many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Along with her husband, Mart, Ella was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Melloway, her parents, and a son-in-law, Grover Samuels; two sisters, Martha Johnson and Marie Evans.

Ella was a member of the Red Top Christian Church, Red Hatters, and the Locust Grove Club.

She enjoyed reading, playing cards, traveling to new places dancing and watching Dancing with the Stars, going to the Lyceum Theatre, eating, and being a part of the smorgasbord at Red Top Church, which she canned green beans for every year.

Ella and Mart would winter in Texas, they traveled there for over 20 years. While there she was active in many activities, volunteering for Toys for Tots and the blood drives.

She enjoyed being around people, had an infectious laugh and truly cherished her time with family and friends. Memorial donations are suggested to the Red Top Christian Church, the Lyceum Theatre or the CMAAA Home Delivered Meals Program and may be sent in care of Fenton- Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240. Online condolences may be left at www.fentonkendrickfh. com