MISS Ella Waterton, a pillar of Elim Pentecostal Church, Springwood, has died, aged 91.

Miss Waterton was born in Lockwood at Providence Place, but lived the last years of her life at Castle Grange residential home, Newsome, and the Trinity nursing home, Trinity Street, Huddersfield.

Miss Waterton was the youngest of five sisters and started work at the age of 13 as a mender in a mill.

She was employed in the textile industry all her life until she retired at the age of 60.

Her life revolved around Huddersfield Elim Church, which she joined as a founder member in 1926.

Miss Waterton never married or had any children but was a favourite with the children in the church, who appreciated her kindness and generosity.

She was appreciative of the support she received from church members, especially after the death of all her relatives.

A funeral was held at the church, led by the pastor Peter Hannam.

Mr Hannam said: "Ella found in her Christian faith something that gave purpose and satisfaction throughout her life. The note she left contained a phrase that she felt summed up her life: `God has always been good to me'."