Wertia Ruth Ely, 88 years of age, of Morristown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 1, 2023, at Charter Senior Living.  Wertia was born June 17, 1934, in Kyles Ford, Tennessee, to the late Charlie and Emma Wallen Testerman.  At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ, and she was a member of Barnards Grove Baptist Church in Bean Station, Tennessee.  She graduated from Hancock County High School in 1953 and remained friends throughout the years with her classmates who she admired and adored.

Wertia married the late John Ely in 1955 and was married for 59 years until his death in 2014.  They had one child, Keith Ely.  She was employed by the Hamblen County Board of Education as a teacher assistant at Whitesburg and Union Heights Elementary Schools for 24 years.  She loved working with children and appreciated the bonds she built with faculty and staff.  Upon retirement, she enjoyed yard selling and searching for antique dishes and jewelry.  Also, camping was another adventure that she loved and met many new friends through those journeys.  However, her biggest joy was watching her grandchildren, Lindsey and Korey, play sports.  She never missed a game they played and usually was the first person to arrive at the gym or ball fields.

Wertia was preceded in death by her husband, John Ely; her parents, Charlie and Emma Testerman; in-laws, Charlie and Mary Lydia Ely; sister, Maxine Moore and brothers, Sidney and Carl Testerman.

Wertia is survived by her son, Keith Ely (Debbie); grandchildren, Dr. Lindsey Ely Chochran (Doug) and Korey Ely (Rachel); great-grandchildren, Deacon and Luca Cochran, Palmer and Truitt Ely; sister, Ann Davis (Jim); sister-in-law, Judy Testerman; and brother and sister-in-law, Gordell and Karlene Ely; and several nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to April, Melissa, and the staff at Charter Senior Living for providing wonderful care and support, and to Adam Smith with Amedisys Hospice Care for his kindness and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to St. Jude  Children’s  Hospital; Memorial Giving; 501 St. Jude Place; Memphis, TN. 38105.

A memorial service will be held 2:00 pm Wednesday, January 4, 2023, in the East Chapel of Allen Funeral Home with Rev. Dannie Bell officiating.  Private interment will be held in Hamblen Memory Gardens.