The Superior Express -

Ella Rae Rafferty was born April 19, 1927, in Richmond, Ky., to Reuben and Virginia Baker, in her grandparents' home. She was proud to say she was one of five cousins born in the Broadway home. Ella Rae was the oldest of 10 children. The family moved to Ludlow, Ky., where she attended high school, graduating with the Class of 1946.

The summer before her senior year, she came to Mankato, Kan., to work for her Aunt Katherine and Uncle Merle Reager and take care of her cousin, Mike Reager. During her summer in Kansas, she met the love of her life, Lyle Eugene Rafferty. She returned to Ludlow...