ELLEN HINES CASH CLAUSER

1921-2021

Ellen Hines (Cash) Clauser departed this life on October 30, 2021, two months after celebrating her birthday at age 100. She was born prematurely August 21, 1921, on the family farm near La Grange in Lenoir County, N.C., the daughter of Serena (Harrison) Hines and John Ivey H. Hines, and the youngest of seven surviving children. As a child, her family moved to Selma and farmed tobacco. She graduated from Pine Level High School in 1938 and married Calvin Stuart Cash in 1942. When he returned from combat duty in World War II, she moved with Cal to Leadville, Colorado, and Lincoln, Nebraska, before returning to North Carolina. Her daughter Elaine was born in Smithfield, N.C., when she was 27, and she moved to Germany as an Army wife in 1951. She returned to N.C. in 1954 and lived in Greensboro to be close to family. In 1957, she moved to Austin, TX, so that Cal could attend the Episcopal Theological Seminary there. She was employed as office manager in the Bursar’s Office at St. Edward’s University; then became the Financial Assistance Officer for Texas Mental HealthMental Retardation at Travis State School. In 1973, Cal passed away, and in 1977 she married Earle Webster Clauser in Austin. Upon her retirement she and Earle moved to Georgetown, then to Rosenberg, TX, in 1987, as well as enjoying a winter residence in Enchanted Valley Ranch, Mission, TX. After Earle’s death in 2002, she moved to Houston where she lived until her death.

Ellen (named Serena Elnora by her maiden Aunt Ellen) was pre-deceased by both husbands as well as her parents, six siblings, and their spouses, Robert Mewborn Hines (Alma Batten), James Alvin Hines (Patsy Hines and Marie Collins), Edward Willoby Hines (Mildred Batten), Nina Mae Hines Tolley (Howard Tolley),

John Parrott Hines (Lillian Vann and Lelia Fielder), and Floyd Derward Hines (Pearl Hamilton). She was also predeceased by several nieces and nephews. She is survived by her daughter, Elaine Cash Anthony and her husband Timothy J. Hogan; and nieces, Mary Gould Buchanan, Serena Ann Moore, Judy Gail Flowers, Evelyn Dell Lundy, and Sue Johnson-Denning. She is also survived by

Hines nephews, Louis Alvin, Charles Derward, Donald Erwin, and Frederick Parrott. Earle’s children, Daniel Earle Clauser and Linda Clauser Dole Brechtelsbauer also survive her.

Ellen maintained her independence into her late 90s and was highly regarded even after moving into Brookdale the Heights assisted living facility. She was a devout Christian, a student of the Bible, and a member of Westbury Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for the senior class. She was a beloved wife; an excellent cook, seamstress, and quilter; a treasured friend and confidante; an attentive and mentoring aunt; a “second mother” to several family members and younger friends; a generous supporter of many charities; a seasoned traveler in Europe and the Holy Land as well as the U.S. and Mexico; a knowledgeable gardener; and a loving mother to Elaine and her husband. Even at her advanced age and in declining health, she maintained her strength of character, an enjoyment of fashion, a deep love of nature, and a kind heart. She was an amazing woman and will be greatly missed.

A visitation with Ellen’s family will be held in the Miller Funeral Chapel,

7723 Beechnut, Houston, TX 77074, on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Her funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, November

10, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., at Westbury Baptist Church, 10425 Hillcroft, Houston, TX 77096, with a reception to follow. Attendees may wish to wear red, or a splash of red, her favorite color. She will be interred privately in Houston National Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Ellen H. Clauser may be made to Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Meals on Wheels, 3303 Main St. Houston, TX 77002; or to the Houston Food Bank, c/o Donor Services, 535 Portwall Street, Houston, TX 77029. Condolences may be offered at www.millerfuneral.com.