More than 100 years of memories to share

Not many people have the privilege of knowing and visiting with a woman who lived 105 years and had memories so clear that a visit with her was like a short version of the history textbook. Mary Ellen Liter, who was married to W.H. (Bill) on July 19, 1928, worked with her husband on the farm, at the Nevada State Hospital No. 3, and in his barbering business. This was in addition to the usual responsibilities of raising Joyce and Wilson and keeping a nice home for them all.

She could tell tales about those they worked with and those they were hired to care for. The finances of the time are startling. Read the following paragraphs, which I have quoted from the Nevada State Hospital #3 history.

"In March 1930, we were called to work at the Nevada State Hospital, and we lived in a one room apartment over the Bakery. In 1937, an employees' dormitory was constructed on the grounds. We had first choice of a room since we had been there the longest. The 'one room' had twin beds, we ate in the cafeteria, our laundry was free, and the rooms were cleaned by the patients.

"Our first jobs were in the Receiving Hall. Bill had the men's side. I enjoyed playing the piano, so on Saturdays I would practice singing for our Sunday Church Service,"

They received $30.00 a month in 1930 for working 12 hour shifts 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Bill finally got up to $40 a month. They received one day off a month vacation time, one half day off each week.

In 1941, Bill and Mary Ellen went to Detroit, Mich., in a tool and die shop until World War II was over. After the war they returned to Nevada and the State Hospital then Bill had two days off each week. He started a barber supply business, which Mary Ellen helped with and they both left the work at the State Hospital.

What many of us remember about this couple is not the facts of her long life, but appreciation for the type of life they lived. One example that is special to me is that she knew I am allergic to onions and garlic. At each covered dish dinner at the church she would prepare at least one casserole that was free of each of these ingredients. Then she would quietly find me to let me know which casseroles were safe for me to eat.

For one year I was in charge of getting volunteers for the Habitat for Humanity workers that were busy on the house, Mary Ellen could always be counted on to offer whatever we needed the most. She would bring it to the work site and enjoyed visiting with the volunteer workers.

When the regular potato bar luncheons started, she would bring pies every time to help out with the fundraiser meal. They always were chosen very soon by the diners.

Another person affectionately reported that Mary Ellen always wore shoes with a little heel on them. It didn't matter what style her clothes were, she would wear this style of shoes with a small heel.

And, of course, her devotion and attendance to the Nevada Griffins was appreciated by the players and by those of us in Nevada that hadn't shown our support as keenly as Mary Ellen had. We hope there are some former Griffins in Heaven so that they can get together and talk over the game when the Griffins narrowly missed winning.

The Liters will be missed in many parts of Nevada. Their loyalty to the United Methodist Church, the town, the hospital and its patients, and for Mary Ellen, the MYF, will be examples for us all to follow.