Robert Elliston was born February 26, 1918 in rural Creston, Ohio and graduated from Creston High School in 1936. He worked as a mechanic in a Ford garage until being drafted into the Army in early 1941. After serving in the South Pacific, Fiji Islands, Guadalcanal, New Georgia, and Bougainville during WWII, he was discharged in September 1945. Mr. Elliston married Charlene Outward in August 1944 and spent 40 years farming and hauling limestone and gravel.

Charlene was born in Ashland in 1915, graduating from Eastland High School in Texas and Ashland College. A dedicated teacher, she taught fifth and sixth grades for 36 years in Ashland County schools. After retiring, she continued as a substitute teacher in Ashland County schools for another 11 years.

The Ellistons traveled to such places as Hawaii, Spain, England, South Africa, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand during their retirement years. Both members of First Christian Church, Mr. Elliston is also a member of D.A.V, while Mrs. Elliston was a member of Rachel Circle, Halcyon Club, National Education Association, State Teachers Association and Ashland County Teachers Association.

Following the death of his wife at the age of 92 in February 2007, Mr. Elliston chose to create a scholarship in his wife’s memory. He desires to perpetually honor his wife’s commitment to education by helping leaders of tomorrow obtain a college education.

Prepared 2007