Mrs. Rebecca Jane Eleton, 78, of 67 Chestnut Street, wife of John Eleton, died Monday in the West Haven Convalescent Home, 215 North C Street, where she had been a patient for two weeks. She had been in failing health two years, and was hospitalized at Mercy Hospital several times during that period. Born in Laurel Creek, Ky., on September 1, 1883, the oldest daughter of Elijah and Margaret Melton Gabbard, she was educated in the public schools of that community. She was married to John Eleton on December 31, 1904, in the Baptist Church at Burning Springs, Ky., and to this marriage six sons and six daughters were born. Mr. and Mrs. John Eleton moved to Hamilton in July, 1924, and were residents of this city for more than 37 years.

A devoted mother and loving wife, Mrs. Eleton found her greatest happiness in being of service to her family. In later years, the addition of 16 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren brought her added joy. An ardent naturalist, she was especially fond of gardening and enjoyed considerable success in the growing of flowers.

She leaves her husband; four sons, Roscoe Eleton, Dalton, Ga., Alex Eleton, Coolidge, Ga., Elijah Eleton and Pearl Eleton, both of Hamilton; a daughter, Mrs. Sherman (Barbara) Ash, Montebello, Calif.; 16 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; three brothers, Bige Gabbard and George Gabbard, both of Corbin, Ky., and Daniel Gabbard, Jeffersonville, Ind.; a sister, Mrs. Minnie Smith, Cincinnati; other relatives, and many friends. She was preceded in death by seven children, two brothers and two sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Thursday in the Michael J. Colligan Funeral Home, 437 South Third Street, with the Reverend Leonard W. Snyder, pastor of the First Church of God, officiating. Burial will be in Millville Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 4pm Wednesday.

Published in the Hamilton Daily News Journal
Tuesday, May 8, 1962