Elba Dingess, Sr, age 80, of Madison, Ohio, passed away Saturday, February 22, at The Geneva Village Retirement Center. He was born August 20, 1933 to John and Lake (Cantrell) Dingess. Elba married Mattie Martin in Wharncliffe West Virginia on September 13, 1952.

Elba retired from Rail Road work after 30 years of service, and continued working with the Mentor Schools and Morton Salt Company. He enjoyed gardening, tractors, and collecting model trains. Elba was a great story teller and animal lover—but most of all, he loved his family and dotted over his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Elba is survived by his sons Elba (Sandy Chudzik) Dingess, Jr., Edward (Jennifer) Dingess, Paul (Patty) Dingess; daughter, Susie Dingess; grandchildren Rob (Janette) Dingess, Shanna Dingess, Melissa Dingess, Tina Panich, and Daniel Dingess; great grandchildren, Jordan and Tyler Bisbee, Ashton, Nicholas, and Zachery Panich; sister, Sarah Jane Fly; loving caregiver, Diana Dingess. Elba also leaves behind his loved dog and faithful friend Spike. He is preceded by his wife, Mattie; parents; sisters, Irene Mitchum, Betty Martin, and Shirley Mercer; brothers, Lawrence Dingess, Jerry Dingess, and Willie Dingess.

Family and friends will be received from 2-4pm and 6-8pm, Tuesday, February 25, 2014 at THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 26 River St., Madison, Ohio, 44057. Funeral service is at 11am Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at the funeral home.

Final interment will be at Harpersfield Cemetery.

The family suggests contributions be sent to the Ashtabula County Animal Protective League, 5970 Green Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio, 44004.