Elsie Carl, of Cuckoo Park, died on November 23. Her funeral took place at Rawcliffe Gospel Hall on Monday.

Elsie, who was well-known throughout the area, was born at Mill Houses and lived her entire life in the village.

After leaving school, she worked at the Turner Paper Mill in Rawcliffe Bridge and then Burton's clothing factory near Goole. She also worked for several farms in the area, and was one of the first lollypop ladies in the county.

Her latter working life was spent at Rawcliffe Hall, where she was a special needs teaching assistant, work she continued in a voluntary capacity after retirement until the age of 75.

Elsie (pictured) was a member of most local organisations, and a staunch supporter of Rawcliffe Parish Church, serving on the PCC and singing in the choir.

The Boothferry Family and Local History Group owes its origins in part to Elsie's persistence and enthusiasm, and she was recently made an honourary life member.

Elsie attended the Gospel Hall Thursday Club for more than 30 years, rarely missing a meeting. She was also a member of the Yorkshire Countrywomen's Association.

Elsie loved dancing, the theatre and coach trips, and became acquainted with several well-known stage celebrities, including Joe Longthorne, Joe Pasquale and Freddie Starr.

She's survived by two children – Dorothy and Clifford – eight grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.
Family member Harold Mason this week paid tribute to Elsie.

He said: "Sunday last saw the curtain fall on the life of one of Rawcliffe's true characters.

"Elsie was a small, rounded lady, but in every other respect she was larger than life.

"She could ruffle feathers but she could also be a loyal and kind friend; that's how most us will remember her.

"Elsie maintained a joie de vivre to the very end."