Eleanor E. "Ellie" Harpstrite, 82, of New Baden, died Wednesday, March 2, 2011 at St. Joseph Hospital in Breese. She was born January 29, 1929 in Edwardsville, daughter of Wilbur A. and Emma M. (Slavik) Schmidt, Sr. She married Ben C. Harpstrite on June 19, 1947 in Trenton and he survives.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Janice L. (Michael) Hamilton, Karen S. (Mike) Riley, Cheryl A. (Rick) Parkin, and Janine M. (Ed) Wuebbles all of New Baden; grandchildren, Dawn M. (Jim) Lintzenich, Ashley M. Hamilton, Jamie S. (Jay) Staser, Michael J. Riley, Rick L. Riley, Kyle A. (Kristy) Bingaman, Jared J. (Kalena) Bingaman, Heidi L. (Tom) Kirchgesner, Craig W. (fiancée, Lauren Momot) Parkin, Melanie M. Wuebbles, and Joshua J. Wuebbles; great-grandchildren, Mikaela Lintzenich, Caleb Lintzenich, Ethan Riley Lemberger, Olivia Bingaman, Gryphon Kirchgesner, Aidan Hamilton, Destiny Wuebbles, Kaitlyn Staser, Torre Parsons, Kolten Staser, Hunter Parsons, and Gabe Parkin; she was anticipating the birth of two more great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law, Frank Provaznik of Edwardsville and Howard D. (special friend, Jackie Rickert) Harpstrite of Trenton; and a sister-in-law, Kathy Schmidt of Edwardsville.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step father, William Masek; a son, James Benjamin Harpstrite; a son-in-law, Dale Roy Zeller; a great grandson, Nathan Lintzenich; two brothers, Wilbur A. Schmidt, Jr. and Robert Schmidt; two sisters, Delores Provaznik and Gladys Pendracky; and a brother-in-law, Walter Pendracky.

Mrs. Harpstrite, together with her husband, operated Harpstrite farms. She participated in her husband’s political career as well as joining with him in various civic organizations including the New Baden Lions Club and Shriners activities. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Trenton; member and past Worthy Matron Trenton Chapter 756 Order of the Eastern Star; past president and former member of the New Baden Women’s Club and a former Girl Scout Leader.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Trenton with Pastor Mike Rucker officiating. Burial will follow at Trenton Cemetery in Trenton.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2011 at Hempen Funeral Home in New Baden, and from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Trenton. The Eastern Star will hold services Friday at 6 PM at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church and will be received at the funeral home.