“That’s right, died right there in Doc’s office,” Ruth said.
“Oh my goodness, that’s so sad. But Ellen was ninety after all, so she had a good long life,” Mary added, “but how did she die again?”
“She wasn’t feelin’ well, so she went over to Doc’s place, but had to wait in his outer office, as Doc was doin’ physicals for the high school baseball team. She was sittin’ next to one of the young boys when he called out, and said she had simply slumped over on him. Doc came out and checked, said she died of a heart attack, right then and there, in his office of all places. Doc called the coroner and both agreed her heart gave out due to old age.” Ruth explained.
“Well bless her soul, she will surely be missed. Have you heard anything about a funeral or service?”
“No, I haven’t dear. She wasn’t Catholic, and now that I think on it, she never attended any church hereabouts as far as I can recollect. Do you know what faith she was?” Ruth inquired.
“I don’t have a clue, maybe Father Lonigan might know something about her religious preference. Why don’t you come pick me up and we’ll go pay him an evening visit, would that be alright with you?” Mary asked.
“Sure, but I don’t want to be out after dark.”
“Oh no, me either. Especially after what happened to poor Miss Stella the other day.” Mary said sadly.
“I hope they catch who ever done it, and hang’em in the nearest tree, may her blessed soul rest in heavenly peace.”
“Dear, she didn’t believe in heaven or hell, she once told me so.” Mary noted.
“Yes, but, you know what I meant.”
“Yes, I do and Amen.” She crossed herself.
“When is Miss Stella’s funeral?” Ruth asked.
“I heard from Hazel that she had a document that said she didn’t want no service, and wanted to be cremated.”
“So Nancy is going to take care of all that?” Ruth asks.
“No, Hazel said her relative over in Millersburg was seeing to it; that Dexter Alexander. Remember, he came and his guide spoke to us at one of our Monday night séances. I don’t recall his guide’s name, but he was a very nice young man.” Mary commented.
“Oh yes, now I remember. Yes, he was very nice indeed. I sure do hope Nancy and Thomas get back together someday. It’s just so sad to see them apart.”
Mary was now growing concerned over the lateness of the hour, “We better get going.”
“Yes, you’re so right…okay then sweetie, I’ll be right over in two-shakes of a cat’s tail and off we’ll go.”
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SAINT CLOUD GAZETTE
ELLEN WELLINGTON DEAD
Doc Pearlman, with the assistance of the coroner determined she died of natural causes associated with old age. Mrs. Wellington died just eleven days short of her ninety-first birthday. She was the second oldest citizen in Saint Cloud. Mr. Dietzel still holds the title at age ninety-six; even though it’s been said, he could go at any moment. The death count has now climbed to 11.
Story by: Jonah McGregor
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