Ina Lou Buelin, known to many, even outside her family as "Aunt Ina" died Monday, August 4 at Hugh Chatham Nursing Home where she had resided since 2001. Ina was born September 26, 1912 to Jesse and Fannie Martin Buelin. Having had to lie about her age, she began working at Chatham Mfg. at the age of 12, helping to support her family. She retired after 48 years of service. Having had no children of her own, Ina helped "raise" many children in the community while working at Mothers' Morning Out, Presbyterian Playschool, First Baptist Playschool, and Methodist After-School Care and babysitting. Having dropped out of school in sixth grade, she never had the opportunity to participate in organized sports, but has supported the Elkin Buckin' Elks since about 1935, when she helped provide transportation for the girls' basketball team of which her sister, Ruth Hooper participated. In the 1950's she enjoyed watching her nephew, Ron Hooper play and often helped provide a pregame meal for his football team. Over the next four decades she especially enjoyed watching nieces Kathy Royall Mounce EHS 1965, Jayne Royall Pardue EHS 1973 Kim Royall Longworth EHS 1977, nephew Steve Royall EHS 1968, and great nephews Brian Hinson, Jason & Slade Mounce in the 80's and Nicholas and Canaan Longworth in the 90's. When she could no longer attend the games, she would listen to the Elks' games on WIFM, including their state championship games. Over these many years she helped with fund-raisers and helped many student athletes through anonymous gifts. She also loved Carolina Tarheel sports, including watching her great-nephew, Heath Hooper play baseball. Ina loved sports but she believed in education and supported Elkin City Schools' other events and fundraisers. She is survived by a sister, Rubye Lankford of Elkin and numerous nieces and nephews. Ina was preceded in death by brothers Roy, Harley, and Roscoe Buelin and sisters Mae Wishon, Ruth Hooper, Lucile Royall, and Anna Lee and Peggy Buelin A Celebration of Aunt Ina's Life will be held Sunday, August 10 at 4:00 PM at Elkin Presbyterian Church. Family and friends will visit after the service. While flowers are welcome, donations to the Elkin Athletic Foundation in memory of Ina would be deeply appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.hodgesfuneralhomeinc.com
