Ellen M. Schmall

Ellen M. Schmall passed away peacefully in San Diego on May 16, 2024. She was born on September 19, 1926, in Hastings, Michigan, to Starling Earl Modrack and Gladys Saunders Modrack. After graduating from Coldwater High School in 1944, Ellen took an accounting job with the U.S. Government and moved west to Oregon. When World War II ended, she moved to San Diego, where her illustrious banking career began. She was a head teller at the Bank of America branch in Ocean Beach when she was hired in 1956 by NELC Employees Federal Credit Union (now known as MyPoint Credit Union). She quickly rose through the ranks and became its President and Chief Executive Officer by 1962. She was an instrumental player in the growth of the credit union movement in San Diego, and she guided her credit union from a two-person operation to a network of seven branches by the time she retired in 1990.

Ellen married the love of her life, Roy A. Schmall, in 1961 and they enjoyed 44 years together before his death in 2005. They loved to travel and felt fortunate to include Europe, Russia, Australia, and China among their destinations. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Kathleen DeKilder, niece Mary DeKilder, and nephew Edwin DeKilder. She is survived by stepson George (Nancy) Schmall; stepson Ronald (Luanne) DeLane; grandchildren Alexander Schmall, Brent (Jazlynn) Schmall, Ronald DeLane, Jr., Lanay (Pete) Negrete; and a wide circle of dear friends. Ellen will be deeply missed and well remembered by her family and friends for her lively wit, her sharp intelligence, and her generous spirit.