Elizabeth S. (Libby) Gelder, 100, of Terre Haute, Indiana died May 31, 2021. Mrs. Gelder was born January 12, 1921 in Beckley, West Virginia, daughter of Herman K. and Margaret B. Hiles Stairs. She attended Beckley schools, graduated from Blackstone College in Blackstone, Virginia and attended Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Julia Smith and Helen Cowden, and her husband, John T. (Jack) Gelder, Jr. and son-law Samuel D. Broverman. Survivors include daughter Carolyn Broverman, four grandchildren - Dr. Bryan Pfister, Bradley Pfister, Elise Broverman-Robertson, Anna Broverman and four great grandchildren. Son Tom Gelder, daughter-in-law Dana Heins-Gelder, and three grandchildren, Dr. Margaret Ehm, Christi Gelder, Matthew Anthony and five great grandchildren also survive.
Mrs. Gelder was active in all the communities in which she lived, serving on the boards of Charleston Memorial Hospital in Charleston, West Virginia, Peterson Place in Wheeling, West Virginia, the Florence Crittendon Home, Rose Ladies Aid, and Children’s Theater in Terre Haute. She was a charter member of the Strawberry Festival at 1st Congregational Church and was a member of Chapter BN – PEO, Olli, OLGA, Zeta Mu Epsilon Sorority, and Tri Sigma Sorority.
An accomplished pianist and organist, she played with school orchestras, churches, and did accompaniment work throughout her life.
Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Terre Haute. Memorial contributions may be made to the 1st Congregational Church or the charity of one’s choice. Online condolences may be made to www.samaritanfunerals.com.
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