Ella Dodd Thompson Maass, happiest helping others

Ella Dodd Thompson Maass, 98, passed away Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, at the Forum in Arizona. She had resided in Tucson since 1967.

Ella was born in Lewes, Oct. 30, 1916, to William Edward and Hannah Dodd Thompson. Ella was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Sarah Fillingame, Lydia Ewald and brothers, Bill and Joe. Her husband of more than 60 years, Herman, died in 2009.

Ella attended elementary school in Lewes, and high school at Misses Hebb's in Wilmington. She graduated from Lewes High School. She attended college at Maryville College in Tennessee. She and her sisters subsequently were employed by the Dupont Company in Wilmington where she met and married Herman Maass of Spokane, Wash. in 1942. Two daughters, Mary Lou and Elaine, were born in Wilmington.

In 1949 the family moved to Anaconda, Mont., where Herman was employed as a chemical engineer by the Anaconda Company. A son, Marty, was born in 1956. Ella spent her time raising a family and involving herself in the community. In 1967, Mr. Maass was transferred to Tucson. Ella immediately became active as a volunteer in several organizations. She was a people person, happiest helping others. She was a role model for all who knew her.

A lifelong Presbyterian, Ella became a member of Christ Presbyterian Church, serving as an elder and a deacon and participating in women's organizations and social ministries. She and her husband were members of the League of Women Voters of Greater Tucson. They particularly enjoyed voter registration duties and newsletter activities. Volunteering for Mobile Meals also was part of their busy schedule.

During their retirement years they travelled extensively throughout the world. They especially enjoyed cruises to Alaska and tours of New Zealand and Australia. Ella was always ready for a game of bridge or Michigan rummy with her family. One of her grandsons noted grandma was a "good cooker," most known for her exceptional macaroni and cheese, pies and chocolate chip cookies.

Ella is survived by her daughters, Mary Van Ness (Tom Gillespie) and Elaine (Ken) Baarson; son, Marty (Nancy) Maass; seven grandchildren; and several nephews and a niece.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Presbyterian Church, Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. The family requests donations be made to Ella's church, the League of Women Voters, Mobile Meals or Sereo Hospice.

Arrangements by Adair Funeral Homes, Dodge Chapel, Tucson.