BIOGRAPHY

Ellenberger was born in Rochester, New York, USA, on 30 May 1910, to parents Claude Van Valkenburgh and Elizabeth Gurtler. She had four siblings: Elizabeth Miller, Jean Wasner, Roberta Wagner, and brother Claude Van Valkenburgh.

At some point, she moved to Mellenville, New York. She was married three times. Her first husband, Almon Miller, tragically committed suicide in early 1959. Afterward, she tried her best to manage the grocery store they had owned together, but ultimately found it challenging to do alone. Subsequently, she began working at the local hospital. Shortly after remarrying, she experienced another loss when her second husband, Irvine (Mike) Wilcox, passed away from a heart attack in 1960. Just a year later, while serving as president of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Mellenville, New York, Volunteer Fire Company, she met Forreste Ellenberger, who would become her third husband. At the time, she was 51 years old, while he was 72. She was organizing a banquet at the local fire station when Forreste happened to stop by. They were introduced by a local farmer. A widower himself, Ellenberger asked Florence for her phone number because he was eager to see her again. They were married for nearly 30 years until his death in 1988 at their home in Sun City Center.

Ellenberger had three children: Almon M. Miller, Charles A. Miller, and Florence E. Genito. She was a member of the DAR and Eastern Star for over 50 years, serving as Regent, Matron, and Grand Electa, and volunteering for numerous organizations. Additionally, she was ordained as a Deacon at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Sun City Center, Florida. She credited her longevity entirely to God.

On her 109th birthday, she received a card from the White House signed by President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump.

Ellenberger passed away in Sun City Center, Florida, USA, on 30 December 2020, at the age of 110 years, 214 days. She was survived by her daughter-in-law, son-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

Her age has not been validated.

ATTRIBUTION

* “The Cost Of War: 104-Year-Old Widower Still Collects Husband’s WWI Pension” – Investing.com, 15 July 2014

* “For the 109th time, Happy Birthday, Miss Flo!” – The Observer News, 6 June 2019

* “Florence H Ellenberger Obituary” – Brewer & Sons Funeral Homes & Cremation Services

GALLERY