Elise Ewart

Ewart, Elise S. Thomas, 90, of St. Petersburg passed away on January 4, 2019 at Bon Secours Maria Manor. Born in St. Petersburg and raised in Gulfport and very active in 4-H Club in her pre-teen years. Elise had her debut in 1948 and graduated from St. Pete High School. After graduating, she attended FSU where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Her graduate studies included attending Washington University School of Social Work in St. Louis, Mo. And later in her career, USF for a Masters in Counseling. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Ewart; parents, Laverne and Elise Thomas and her siblings, Laverne Thomas, Jr., Betty Mann, Maston Thomas, Julia Howell, Rentz Thomas and Leighton Thomas. Elise is survived by her sister, Katie Hornack, children, Bill Ewart, Roy Ewart, and Sharon Greco; grandchildren, Ivan, Danny, Shelley, Stephanie, and Maria and great-grandchildren Tyler, Rocco, Rosemarie, Conrad and Ember. In the early 1950’s, she was an airline stewardess with Eastern Airlines. After her marriage to Ralph Ewart, she was a social worker for the State Department of Public Welfare as a foster home and adoption case worker and also was employed by Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army, and Neighborly Senior Services. She directed children’s choirs at Pasadena Presbyterian Church along with singing in the sanctuary choir. Later, she sang in the Chancel Choir at St. Lukes United Methodist Church. She played standup bass with her husband Ralph, who played saxophone, in the band called “The Awfuls.” Elise was devoted to her family and always involved in many church activities because of her love and joy for the Lord. Her beautiful smile and and soft southern charm will be remembered by all who knew her. Elise’s memorial service will be held at the gravesite at Royal Palms Cemetery South in St. Petersburg on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00 o’clock p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the church of your choice.