Eleanor A. Petsinger, 79, passed away peacefully early Sunday morning at the home she shared with her husband of 30 years, James L. Petsinger, at 236 LaRay Drive.

Born May 15, 1929, in Butler, she was the daughter of Merrill Nelson and Florence Park.

Ellie was a graduate of Butler High School Class of January 1947. She had an avid interest in books and theater. She was named Most Sophisticated in her class.

Mrs. Petsinger retired in 1982 with 20 years of service as an underwriter for the Nationwide Insurance Co. Long after retirement, she maintained strong ties with a group of Nationwide friends who called themselves the Golden Girls.

Mrs. Petsinger was a member of the First English Lutheran Church for 45 years.

She is survived by her husband, James L. Petsinger who she married Nov. 23, 1977; two daughters, Marcia Heinzer of Atlanta, Ga., and Linda Wellner, M.D. of Sewickley; a son, Thomas Wellner of Corry; a stepdaughter, Lindee Gilliland and her husband, Robin, of Butler; two stepsons, James T. Petsinger and his wife, Rebecca, of Butler and Eric Petsinger of San Francisco, Calif.

Ellie has seven grandchildren, Rebecca Sills, Michael Heinzer, Peter and Christopher Fedyshin and Cristian, Jessica and Ryan Wellner; two great-grandchildren, Katherine Grace and Ellie Jane Sills; four step-grandchildren, Dustin and Diane Petsinger and Brooke and Bristal Gilliland; and two step-grandchildren, Ashtin and Marion Petsinger.

Ellie also has a brother, Herman Nelson, deceased, who was married to Frida Nelson of Butler. She leaves a half sister, Carol Siple of Nashville, Tenn.; and many nieces and nephews.

Ellie's passions were politics, football, baseball, reading and playing cards. She loved gardening, birdwatching and playing with her dog, Maggie. Ellie was happiest when she was surrounded by family and friends at the home she loved.

<B>PETSINGER</B> — A memorial service for Eleanor A. Petsinger, who died Sunday, June 1, 2008, will be held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday at the First English Lutheran Church with the Rev. James Dollhopf officiating. Guests will be greeted before the service at 2 p.m.A meal and refreshments will be served at the church following the service.Memorial contributions may be made to the Butler County Humane Society, 1027 Evans City Road, Renfrew, PA 16053.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, and information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.