Elvira "Ellen" Herde White, longtime resident of Prague, Oklahoma, passed away on Saturday, October 18, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 79. She was born June 20, 1935, in Berlin, Germany, to Alfred and Lesbeth Cantignon Herde. Growing up, Ellen and her family endured numerous challenges in Berlin during World War II. Despite these hardships, Ellen remained kind, giving and courageous throughout her life.

After the war, she fell in love with C. A. White, an American soldier in the U.S. Army based in Berlin. In 1959, Ellen moved to the United States and married C. A. on June 20 in Seminole, Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter, they established their home in Prague, where they had three daughters, Susan, Denise and Jamie.

Ellen was a homemaker and a long-time active member of Faith Bible Church. She enjoyed talking to people and was loved by many in Prague. Even a visit to the grocery store with Oma was an affair, her daughters laugh, because she constantly had to stop and greet someone. She enhanced every family gathering with her sense of humor, her stories and her kindness. Her family and friends will miss her deeply.

C. A. preceded Ellen in death on May 15, 1986. She is also preceded in death by her parents, one brother and two sisters.

Ellen is survived by daughters, Susan Schluter and husband Greg of Oceanside, California, Denise Waters and husband George of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Jamie Townsend and husband Dan of Georgetown, Texas; brother, Heinz Herde of Berlin, Germany; grandchildren, Houston Nix and wife Lacey of Seminole, Oklahoma, Michelle Cruz and husband Tim of Fullerton, California, and Natalie, Garrett and Seth Townsend of Georgetown, Texas; and great-grandchildren, Stetson and Carter Nix of Seminole, Oklahoma.

The White family will receive friends Wednesday, October 22, 2014, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Parks Brothers Funeral Home in Prague.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 23, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at Faith Bible Church in Prague with Pastor Scott Smith officiating.

Interment will follow at the Prague Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to her beloved church, Faith Bible Church at 1409 U.S. 62, Prague, OK 74864.