Sarah Orelup

Sarah Margaret Ellwanger was born March 17, 1926 to George and Margaret (Gall) Ellwanger, the third of ten children in the Ellwanger family. She grew up with her family in Gregory County, attending rural schools and living in various locations which were rented by her parents.

On July 7, 1945 Sarah was united in marriage to Carl Orelup at Newcastle, WY. Her husband was employed by the US Geological Survey so they traveled across America, living in all 50 states. They were the parents of one daughter Charlotte.

When the opportunity presented Sarah liked to raise a garden. Taking pictures of family and places they lived was another interest of hers. She also had the opportunity to teach Sunday School for a time and also helped with the church prison ministries.

Upon her husband's retirement in 1968 they made their home in Willcox, AZ. Years later to support herself, Sarah cleaned and cooked for the elderly in their homes. Her health began to decline so in 2004 she moved back to South Dakota to be close to family. Sarah entered long term care and passed away on February 20, 2012 in Genoa, NE at the age of 85 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Carl, her daughter Charlotte, two brothers: Harlan and Robert; one sister, Helen; nieces, nephews, cousins, brother-in-laws, aunts and uncles.

Surviving is her granddaughter Gina, two great-granddaughters, a brother Raymond Ellwanger of Mason City, IA –five sisters: Ruth McAllister of Spencer, NE – Lorrine (Jim)Palecek of Winner, SD – Doris Ellwanger of Chamberlain, SD – Betty Berry of Yankton, SD – and Lucille Wiedeman of Gregory, SD.

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Funeral services for Sarah Orelup were held Saturday, March 3, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Assembly of God Church in Gregory, SD with Pastor Allen Bouslaugh officiating.

Music was provided by Allen and Lela Bouslaugh, vocalists and Lela Bouslaugh, pianist. They sang "The Love of God" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord."
Congregational hymns were "Amazing Grace" and "In the Garden."

Annetta McAllister was in charge of registration. Ruth McAllister was the urn bearer.

Interment was at the Hillview Cemetery in Dallas, SD. A noon meal was served at the Union Congregational Church after the cemetery service.