Eilene R. Hardgrove

Eilene R. Hardgrove, 92 of Massillon, peacefully passed away Thursday, June 25, 2020. Eilene was at home, went to bed, waking up in heaven to the waiting arms of her husband Harold “Ted” Hardgrove. Born in Unity, Pennsylvania to the late Reath and Elsie (Markley) Blickenderfer. Eilene continued to work as a switchboard operator at Ohio Bell after she was married until the birth of their first child. She was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. ¬¬Eilene and Ted met when a young man from Canal Fulton saw a beautiful Brewster girl with long, black, curly hair and asked her to dance. They instantly fell in love, enjoying spending their lives together through 62 wonderful years of marriage. She was an avid Notre Dame fan. She loved spending time with her family and friends. Eilene was a member of the Jackson Township Fire Department, Station #2, Ladies Auxiliary. She is famous for her hamburger grilling at the annual Fireman’s Festival in the Ladies Auxiliary Tent. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Massillon. Preceding Eilene in death are her husband Harold “Ted” Hardgrove; siblings and their spouses Olive Beighley, Paul (Edna), Jack (Dot), and Dale (Lil) Blickenderfer. Survived by children Debra (John) Goodlunis of Cape Coral, FL, Rebecca “Becky” and Michael McElfresh of Lake Cable, and Todd (Sandra) Hardgrove of Bolivar; grandchildren Scott (Stephanie), Matt, Brett (Rachel) and Casey (Jenn) McElfresh; Deanne Goodlunis and Michelle (Kris) Hardgrove Murfield; 7 great-grandchildren; brother Reath (Gloria) Blickenderfer; sisters-in-law Elizabeth Gaudaur of Bucyrus, and Janet Dodson of Canal Fulton; and nieces and nephews. Thank you to all who hold Eilene in your thoughts and prayers. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, July 3, 2020, at 10:30 in St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 206 Cherry Road NE, Massillon, by Fr. Edward Gretchko celebrant. Burial will follow at SS Phillip and James Cemetery in Canal Fulton. The funeral Mass will be live streamed on Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch’s Facebook page for those unable to attend. You can Click Here for Live Stream at 1030am Friday. Per Eilene’s wishes there will be no calling hours. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eilene’s honor to St. Mary’s Parish, 206 Cherry Road NE, Massillon, Ohio 44646.