Elsie M. Fennell

Elsie Marie (Baum) Fennell, 89, of Ford City, passed away peacefully on December 3, 2025, at QLS Sugarcreek, surrounded by family. She was born on January 18, 1936, in Ford Cliff, to the late Samuel and Jennie (Rupert) Baum.

Prior to having a family, Elsie worked   at PPG in Ford City. Then after raising her children, she worked at Essex, and at The Leader Times. After retiring, she dedicated herself to the role she cherished most—caring for her grandchildren. She was talented with a needle and thread and took great pride in sewing and making many of her own clothes. She loved to clean and was known to keep a meticulous home. She enjoyed doing ceramics, crossword puzzles, and listening to her favorite artist, Toby Keith, whom she saw in concert many times.  Elsie also enjoyed spending time with family at her camp in Andover, Ohio.

Elsie is survived by her daughter, Gail (Tim) Sigler of Worthington, and her son, Terry (Tammi) Fennell of Ford City. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Ciara (Tyler) Spence, Garrett (Danielle) Sigler, Jalana (Adam) Cogley, and Sebastian Fennell; as well as four great-grandsons, Easton Spence, Miken Spence, Greyden Sigler, and Gordie Cogley. She is also survived by nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Wayne Neil Fennell, whom she married on June 22, 1957, and who passed away on November 25, 2024; her brother, Oren Baum; and her sisters Betty Lockhart, Janet Bringer, and Mildred Bowser. And her maltipoo, Maria.

Elsie will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her spunk, and the love she poured into everything she created. Her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Friends and Family will be welcomed Sunday, December 7th, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m., and 11 a.m. - 12 noon Monday, December 8th, at Welch Funeral Service, LLC, 1032 Fourth Avenue, Ford City, where funeral services will be held at 12 noon Monday, with Pastor Eric Damon officiating. Interment will follow in Ford City Cemetery. The family would like to thank the Maple staff at QLS Sugarcreek and Three Rivers Hospice for the wonderful care provided during her time there.

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