Obituary of Ellis E. Grist

Ellis Eugene Grist, age 88, of Troupsburg, NY, entered the presence of his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 19, 2024 at Corning Hospital. Ellis was born April 6, 1936 in Troupsburg, NY to parents Chelmer and Cleora (Grinolds) Grist. Raised in Lindley, he was a 1954 graduate of Northside High School in Corning. Ellis and his wife, Barbara Fishel Grist were married for 50 years at the time of her death in 2008. Ellis was also predeceased by his parents, his sister, Emma Eileen Grist Schoonover and chosen brother, Larry Betts. Ellis is survived by his children, Brenda (Timothy) Baker of Lecanto, FL, Elden (Cathy Lynn) Grist of Lucknow, Ont. and Cheryl (Doug) Myers of Troupsburg, NY, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. In his life’s work, Ellis was the pastor of five churches, school administrator of five Christian schools and retired from Tompkins County Dept. of Social Services. Following his last pastorate at Young Hickory Baptist Church it was decided to create a youth center at that location to honor his love of the Lord and his desire to spread the Good News to the next generation, and the Ellis Grist Youth Center was created. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 26 from 4 to 7 pm at the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 1607 Main St. Woodhull, NY. and again on Saturday from 10 to 11 am at the Austinburg Baptist Church, Austinburg, PA with funeral services to follow there at 11 am. Pastor Adrian Essigmann and Rev, Gary Fischer will officiate. Burial will be made in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Troupsburg, NY. Memorial donations are requested for the Ellis Grist Youth Center or the Corning Area Bible Club Camp Scholarship Fund.