Ada Belle was born October 16,1931 in her parents’ home on the farm located North East of Guthrie. Her parents were Ernest Balsiger who preceded her in death in 1969 and Mary Ellen (Meier) Balsiger who preceded her in death in 1980. She became a big sister when her brothers Ernest Joseph who passed away in 2010 and Orval Ray Balsiger were born into the family. Ada Belle transitioned from this earthly world, February 13, 2023, to meet her Heavenly Father at the pearly gates.
She was a genuinely loved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, greatgrandmother, friend and mentor. She was a proud mother to her children Lyndia Rae (Elder) McMahon and Emmett Wayne Elder, Sr., who passed away in 2003. She loved her “favorite” son-in-law Kevin McMahon with all her heart. She devoted her life to loving her grandchildren, Emmett Wayne Elder, Jr. (Jenny) of Guthrie, OK and Joy Lanae, her only granddaughter. Along with Wayne, her grandsons Eric Regis Mc-Mahon (Natalie) of Austin, TX and Ethan Ray Mc-Mahon (Brittney) of Lafayette, LA, enjoyed being on the farm with her doing all the “farm activities” she would allow. In addition, she enjoyed her greatgrandchild, Madison Ann sharing their favorite color blue. Although she never officially met her newest great-grandsons, Emmett John and Evan Ray, we know that she will be awaiting them with open arms in heaven.
Ada Belle’s brother Orval Balsiger has shared many stories about his sister including taking her brothers to their first football game, first movie and sharing their first “purple cow” at the local pharmacy.
After graduating from Guthrie High School in 1949, she attended Hills Business College in Oklahoma City. She then worked at Oklahoma Furniture Factory, the Court Clerk’s office, Autoquip and Smith-Gallo Funeral Home where she used her professional education, her warm welcome, and her attention to detail to perform all that was asked of her and more.
She married Ray Franklin Elder in 1950. He preceded her in death in 1996. They started married life living on North Broad St. in Guthrie. Soon they moved to their farm North of Guthrie where they spent many years building a life that included cattle, gardens, and vacations to Lake Tenkiller. They also were very involved in their children and grandchildren’s lives and various activities from cheering at sporting events, keeping score, helping with 4-H and FFA projects and many more.
She was a wise, Godfearing, loving, spitfire of a woman. She even famously stood up to a train one day. Ada Belle spent countless hours baking birthday cakes and pies for friends and family and then delivering them in person. She was very well known for her flaky pie crust.
Ada Belle devoted her time and love to serving at First Christian Church, Guthrie where she and Ray were baptized February 21, 1957. She served in several capacities from Sunday School teacher to Greeter, Deacon, to Elder.
Ada Belle’s deep faith will be carried on by her family and friends and her light will continue to shine through her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. All will miss her sweet smile and little stature. She left all of us a gift, directly from God’s word: “I am leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 We are at peace knowing she is now living among the angels along with her parents, brother, husband and loving son.
A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 P.M., Friday, February 24, 2023, at the First Christian Church, Guthrie. The family will hold a private ceremony at Summit View Cemetery at a later date. Services are under the direction of Smith-Gallo Funeral Home, Guthrie.
There will not be any visitation.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that you consider making a gift to Hope House Guthrie at www.hopehouseguthrie. org Friends may sign the online guestbook at www. smithgallo.com.