Elissa Ruth Telford

Elissa Ruth Telford, 79, of Williamstown, NJ passed away January 21, 2024, under the care of her daughter at home. Elissa was born on July 12th, 1944 in Evansville, Indiana. She spoke fondly of riding her horse Peaches on her Grandma’s farm as an active young girl. She was a graduate of Manual High School in Peoria, Illinois and painted Nantucket landscapes as a student at Illinois Central College. Elissa was an avid reader with a lively mind. She was a loving mother, grandmother and aunt, scout leader for her children and host of many delicious feasts for family and friends. Elissa was a proud business owner of a nail salon in Morton, Illinois then a blackjack dealer in Biloxi, Mississippi in more recent years, where she resided with her husband, Jack Telford. They survived Hurricane Katrina alongside many friends there. Elissa was stoic while living with kidney disease and COPD. She moved to New Jersey in 2017 to enjoy six joyful years with family.

Elissa is survived by her ex-husband, Donald Shay of Peoria, IL and their children, Leslie Oeser of Williamstown, NJ and son, Christopher Shay of Peoria, IL., grandson, Alex Oeser of Williamstown, NJ, grandson, Zachary Oeser of Bradenton, FL, granddaughter, Sally Shay of Bloomington, IL and grandson, Charles Shay of Brookfield, IL.

Elissa is predeceased by her husband, Jack Telford; mother, Olga (Kristopovich) Gustafson and father, Royal Francis “Gus” Gustafson, in addition to brothers, Robert and Paul Gustafson.

Elissa will be remembered for her joy for life, playful nature and incredible work ethic.

Her ashes will be scattered during future travels to destinations of her choosing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the organization she lovingly supported for many years, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by clicking this link .  Funeral arrangements are under the care of LeRoy P. Wooster Funeral Home & Cremtory, 441 White Horse Pike, Atco, NJ  08004.