Memorial services for Ellamaye (Forgey) Hankins,82 of Pierre, SD and formerly of Gettysburg will be 1:30 PM, Thursday, April 1 at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Gettysburg. Rev. Brad Urbach officiating. Burial will be at Gettysburg Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. Elly passed away March 28, 2010 at Pierre, SD.


Ellamaye (Forgey) Hankins was born on October 5, 1927 to Alta (Evans) and Alonzo Forgey in Gettysburg, SD. She was number 6 of 10 children born to the Forgey family.



Elly grew up in Gettysburg and graduated from Gettysburg High School in 1945. Shortly after graduation, she married Elmer Langbehn. To this marriage of 24 years 4 children were born; Loni Jean (Ben) Shoup, David Michael (Connie) Langbehn, Karen Lee Langbehn (deceased) and Julie Beth Langbehn (deceased).



Elly worked in several restaurants, Potter County ASC, Potter County Library and Gettysburg memorial Hospital through these years.



After divorcing Elmer, in 1969, Elly continued to work at Gettysburg Memorial Hospital until 1971. At this time, thru brother Dale Anderson, Elly met George Hankins. George and Elly were married Nov. 13, 1972. Having retired from teaching soon after their marriage George and Elly resided on Summit Lake near Olympia, Washington. They entertained family and friends through these years with salmon cookouts and wild blackberry desserts as their specialties.



In March of 1999, failing health brought George and Elly back to Pierre, SD close to the majority of family members and friend. George passed in May of 1999. Elly soon made her home in Dakota Heritage Retirement Center. Elly enjoyed puzzles, coffees, watching ice skating and reading. She enjoyed her time being surrounded by siblings and family; especially looking forward to the annual family reunions. She loved her time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.



Elly is survived by her children; Dave (Connie) Langbehn of Deer Park, WA, Loni Jean (Ben) Shoup of Pierre, SD, sisters Jewell Bown of Onida, SD, and Beverly Merrill of Piedmont, SD. Bothers Robert Forgey of Sturgis, SD and Kenneth Forgey of Redfield, SD. Five grandchildren Melodee (Gary) Hopkins, Michael (Ann) Shoup, Jason (Gina) Langbehn, Abby (Andy) Kruse and Lucas Langbehn and 3 great grandchildren



She was preceded in death by her parents Alta and Alonzo Forgey, her husband George, 5 siblings; Dale Anderson, Marion Mann, Tom Forgey, Howard Forgey and Virginia Koch. Daughters; Julie Langbehn, and Karen Langbehn. Grandson; Mathew Kash Shoup and granddaughter; Melinda Ann Shoup.



Organist is Norma Hare.

Melodee Hopkins and Michael Shoup singing Amazing Grace and, Wind Beneath My Wings.

Congregational Hymns are I Know My Redeemer Lives and Old Rugged Cross.