She was born September 3, 1937 in Pekin to William and Thelma (Terry) Dall. She married William Smith who passed on October 12, 1983. She later married Raymond Lenaway on November 21, 1992. He died July 2, 2024.
Surviving are her daughter, Kim Smith Solomon of River Falls, Wisconsin; a special niece, Kelly Ward of Palm Bay, Florida; step daughters, Kim (Jim Goodfellow) Lenaway of Williamsfield and RaeJean (Richard) Kuntz of Gridley; step sons, Scott Lenaway of Fort Collins, Colorado and Mark (LaVon) Lenaway of Batavia; a sister-in-law, Mary Eschelbach of Bloomington; five grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; one brother, Bill Dall and two sisters, Joyce Havens and Sandra Ward.
Ellen worked at Hiram Walker and later retired from Fleming Potter after 25 years. She volunteered at Carol House of Hope becoming part of the staff and mentored children at an area grade school. Ellen also volunteered at a local animal shelter sharing her love of dogs. She loved the camping days, helping others, gardening, antiquing, their couples’ dancing group, shopping, seeing music shows, and traveling. The best times she spent was with family and friends in which she loved laughing and sharing life’s moments with. Very dear to her heart were the times with her grandchildren which she loved so very much.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Pekin.
Her memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 11, 2026 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. Inurnment will follow the memorial service in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Carol House of Hope at the Center for Prevention of Abuse, P.O. Box 3855, Peoria, IL 61612.
The deepest appreciation and gratitude are given to all the Marigold staff especially Brittany“Ed”, Amy, Dawn, Shane and Compassion Hospice staff, Rachel and Pastor Jordan for all their special love and care for Ellen. She will be missed.
To express condolences online, visit www.Preston-Hanley.com
