In Loving Memory of Ella Nora Fruits

Ella Nora Fruits, beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and teacher, passed away on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the age of 89, in Wheaton, Illinois. She was born on July 15, 1934, in East St. Louis, Illinois, and she spent most of her early life in the communities of East St. Louis and Alorton, Illinois.

Ella Nora's journey of faith began at a young age when she embraced Christianity in December 1940, trusting in Jesus Christ as her Savior. She was a beacon of light for her family and friends, setting an example of unwavering faith and devotion. Her mother, Mary Olive Douard Kintner, guided her on this path by sharing and discussing scriptures.  Ella Nora's faith was a central part of her life, and she held it close to her heart throughout her journey.

Ella Nora Fruits shared her life with her beloved husband, Willard L. Fruits, whom she married on August 22, 1953. Together, they raised a family filled with love and faith. She leaves behind her children,  Barbara Jean (Richard) Kolton, and Roy (Lynette Kremer) Fruits, and was preceded in death by her daughter, Mary Ann Gladkowski. She cherished her role as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was deeply loved in return by her six grandchildren: Mary (Andy) Ford, Kerri (Lewis) Blevins, Katarina (Jake) Klem, Austin (Hannah Bare) Fruits, Karis Fruits, and the memory of Steven Kolton.  Great grandchildren:  Chloe, Evee, Yelena, Brayden, and Micah.

Ella Nora was the seventh of eight children, born to her parents, Milton Jacob Kintner and Mary Olive Douard Kintner. She is survived by her brothers Dale Kintner and Jim (James) Kintner.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Vera Ridgeway and her brothers:  Carl (Carlos) Kintner, Lester Kintner, Paul Kintner, and Dan (Daniel) Kintner.

Ella Nora was a dedicated educator, having earned an Associate of Arts degree from Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. She balanced her roles as a housewife and public school teacher, making a positive impact on many lives. She taught at St. Clair County's Lafayette Grade School in Alorton for a year and served as a substitute teacher for 15 years in Cicero, Illinois, District 99, and 14 years in La Grange Park, Illinois, District 102.

Ella Nora's passion for her faith extended to her involvement in her local church and community. She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible Schools in Baptist and Bible Churches in Illinois and led choirs when needed, nurturing the spiritual growth of many. Notably, for 19 years, although not technically trained as a pianist, she graced the Hines VA Hospital Extended Care Center with her piano playing for the Protestant Services.

In her diverse roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, teacher, and musician, Ella Nora's life was rich and fulfilling. She was deeply devoted to her family, faith, and the power of music. She is now enjoying the beauty of music in heaven.

May God bless and keep her, making His face shine upon her, and granting her eternal peace, as He has promised in Deuteronomy. Ella Nora Fruits  will be dearly missed and forever remembered for her unwavering faith, love, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness and wisdom.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 2, from 3 until 6 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., Wheaton, where a funeral service will be held on Friday at 10:00 a.m. The Funeral can be streamed live using this link: Click Here .  Interment will follow at Wheaton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:
Aurora Christian Schools
Cornerstone Campus
355 N Cross St
Sycamore, IL 60178

in Ella Nora Fruits' memory