Ilion Date Line Elsie E. Riesel, 96 of Ilion passed away Wednesday, August 7, 2013 at St Luke’s Medical Center in New Hartford. Elsie was born February 14, 1917 in Bayshore, Long Island the daughter of the late Herman and Elsie (Schroeder) Riesel, and was a 1935 graduate of the Herkimer High School, and was employed with Sperry-Univac for 21 years, and then as a Beautician/Manager of the Elite Salon in Utica for 14 years. In 1955 Elsie was awarded a Purchase Prize for painting by the Munson Williams Proctor Institute in the annual exhibition of artists of Central New York. She was the only non-professional to be so honored. Her other citations include the St Lawrence Valley Exhibition with a prize and blue ribbon. Elsie also exhibited in Cooperstown and Albany Institute of History and Arts. Elsie studied with William Palmer, Henry Koerner and Edward Millman at the Munson Williams Proctor Institute, a time of great enthusiasm and growth under the direction of William Palmer and Harris Prior. Elsie is survived by two brothers and a sister in law Elmer and Grace Riesel of Middletown, NY and Herman of Centerport, Long Island, also 2 nieces Alice Westwood, and Patti Paro, a nephew Tom Paro and his wife Lynn. Elsie was predeceased by a dear brother Kenneth, a sister Ernestine Paro and her husband Lawrence, and two sisters in law Theresa Riesel, and Alice Riesel. It is Elsie’s wishes that there be no calling hours. Cremation and a private service will take place at the convenience of the family. Friends are asked to consider memorial donations in Elsie’s memory to Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute, 310 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502. Arrangements are with the Whiter-Hendrix Funeral Home Inc. 100 Otsego Street, Ilion. To light a candle please go to www.whiter-hendrix.com.