07/02/2026
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of longtime Board member Joe Elliott.
Joe served Cedar Ridge Ministries faithfully for many years prior to experiencing health issues.
Joe was a faithful and committed Board Member. His leadership, wisdom and involvement has made a lasting impact on our Board, our work, and our community.
We are grateful for Joe's many contributions and are honored to have served alongside him. We also appreciate Marianne joining him to help with many of our golf tournaments. Our thoughts and prayers are with Joe's family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.
Please join us in remembering and honoring Joe's life and legacy.
Obituary for Joseph Harrison Elliott
After years of suffering the debilitating effects of Parkinson's Disease and glaucoma, Joseph Harrison Elliott, 89, of Hagerstown, stepped into heaven on June 25, 2026 and saw clearly the face of his beloved Savior, Jesus.
Joe was born on October 30, 1936, in Charles Town, WV, the son of Cleon Edward (Ted) Elliott and Mildred Horner Elliott. He graduated from West Virginia University in December 1960 with a degree in Chemical Engineering before beginning his career at Celanese Corporation in Cumberland, MD, in 1961. He later accepted a position as an industrial customer services engineer for Potomac
Edison Power Co. in Cumberland before moving to Hagerstown as Supervisor of Customer Services. He also worked at the Frederick office and retired in 2000.
Joe was spiritually born again in the summer of 1962. This laid the foundation for his yet to be marriage, family, and many years of service. He was a song leader, lay speaker, Sunday School teacher, small group leader, soloist, and community volunteer. He served on the board of directors for the Hagerstown Rescue Mission (The Hope Center) and Cedar Ridge Ministries and chaired the adult committee for Young Life of Washington County. Joe participated in or led church choirs, church services and the St. Patrick's Chorale. He was also played the trombone with the Hagerstown New Horizons Band, the Tri State Big Band, and the Yellow Springs Community Band.
Joe participated in missionary trips to Kenya, Puerto Rico, and Mississippi. He also coordinated over 100 Lay Witness trips in the MD, VA, WV, PA, DE, NJ, and CA area churches. He hosted adult guests at Young Life summer camps in NY and NC. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Cumberland, St. Paul's UMC in Smithsburg, and later, The Good Shepherd Ministries before attending Maranatha Brethren Church prior to his passing.
Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marianne Hoelzer Elliott, his sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Elliott, his children and their spouses, William and Janelle Elliott, Rebecca and Michael J. Bair, and Elizabeth and John Paul Rue, as well as nine grandchildren: Benjamin Elliott, Katherine Elliott Bowman, Michael Bair Jr., David Bair, Colin Bair, Milo Rue, Madeline Rue, Meredith Rue, and Maxwell Rue. He is also survived by his sponsored granddaughter, Esther Grace Wamalwa, of Kenya and many beloved cousins.
In accordance with his wishes, Joe's body will be donated to the Maryland Anatomy Board for research.
A memorial service is planned for Monday, July 20 at 1:00 pm
at Maranatha Brethren Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Hope Center, Cedar Ridge Ministries or Maranatha Brethren Church.
