Funeral services for Ellen Gray Conger, 89, of Columbus, Ga., were held Monday, Jan. 26, at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbus. Interment followed at the Oak City Cemetery in Bainbridge, Ga.

Born June 1, 1919, in Denver, Colo., Mrs. Conger died Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, at her residence.

Mrs. Conger lived in Bainbridge until she left to attend Wesleyan College and the University of Colorado, where she graduated in 1940. She also attended Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., where she earned a master’s in speech and drama in 1942.

Mrs. Conger lived in Columbus from 1950 until her death. She was active in Columbus theater community, serving as a trustee of the Springer Theatre, and she was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, choir member and was ordained as the first woman elder. Mrs. Conger was a member of the Country Club of Columbus and the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Society. She was also an avid gardener and lover of roses.

Mrs. Conger is survived by two sons, John Gray Conger of Columbus, Ga., and William Reece Conger of Daphne, Ala.; a brother, Jack Gray Jr. of Bainbridge, Ga.; two grandchildren, and a good friend, Emma Torbert.

Striffler-Hamby Mortuary in Columbus was in charge of arrangements.