Elma Sowl Haft

Elma Sowl Haft, age 88, of Manassas, Virginia passed away Monday, November 6, 2017 at the Novant Health Prince William Medical Center. Elma was born on December 4, 1928 in Shelby, New York the daughter of the late Roland and Edna (Birch) Sowl. She grew up in the town of Medina NY and graduated from Medina High School in 1946. Elma met the love of her life in 1950 through a connection with Harry’s cousin in Rochester NY. After a long-distance courtship, Elma and Harry were married in May of 1951. In June of 1953 Elma and Harry had their first child, a son, Bruce. Another two years later, August of 1955, they had their second son, Craig. They moved to their new home in Whippany, NJ. Two years later, their family continued to grow, they had their third son, Dale, October 1957. Then November 1959 they had their fourth son, Eric. Elma and Harry had many friends in Whippany through connections at school, church and the local neighborhoods. The Haft family also hosted a couple of international exchange students, one of which has become our Ecuadorian brother, Julio Ramirez. Julio remains active in our family activities to this day, flying in to visit periodically. In the early 1980’s, Harry and Elma were transferred to N Little Rock, AR with Harry’s work. While residing in Arkansas, Harry and Elma enjoyed Square Dancing and they met many wonderful friends both in Square Dancing and through their Church. In 1995 they moved to Richmond, VA to be closer to their family, they had a new home built and became active in their new community. In 2003 they decided to move closer to their family, and moved into the Oaks of Wellington in Manassas, VA. While residing at “The Oaks”, Harry and Elma continued to enjoy visiting with family, friends and new neighbors. Over the years Harry and Elma loved to travel, they have traveled extensively in all 50 of the United States, Europe, Australia, South America, and to Ecuador to visit Julio and his family. Harry and Elma’s four sons are spread out across the country, Bruce and his wife Terri, reside in Glendale, CA, Craig and his wife Maggie, reside in Fairfax, VA, Dale and his wife Mary Alice reside in Kensington, MD, Eric and his wife reside in Factoryville, PA. Julio Ramirez, married and continues to live in Ecuador, and named their daughter, Elmita after Elma Haft. Elma leaves a legacy of love, organization, and friendship that will continue to reach the next generations through their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry H. Haft. Survivors include her children, Bruce J. Haft and wife Terri of Glendale, CA, Craig L. Haft and wife Maggie of Fairfax, VA, Dale S. Haft and wife Mary Alice of Kensington, MD, Eric B. Haft and wife Candice of Factoryville, PA; eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, November 17, 2017 at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Rd, Manassas, VA. Interment will follow at Quantico National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice.

Elma Sowl Haft

December 4, 1928 - November 6, 2017