Earla Elizabeth Ells

In the one hundred years of life given to her, Earla Elizabeth Ells lived with a grace and intelligence that allowed her to clothe her family with beautifully tailored clothes made with her own masterful hands and with a wisdom that came from her deep, gentle heart. Born to Earl and Floy Hancock Whitacre on May 5, 1915, she spent her early years in Lebanon, Ohio and graduated from Rocky River High School and Spencerian Business School. With her keen mind and exceptional organizational skills, she enjoyed her work in secretarial and accounting positions which prepared her for her position as Vice President/Secretary for her husband's company, James Ells Construction. Earla and Edward A. Ells had married in 1935 and had three daughters. Edward preceded her in death in 1993 and Earla gracefully continued to head her family through the next three generations. She is survived by her loving and grateful daughters, Lee Stocker (Bill), Gale Peck (Robin), and Bethel Ells, and by her beloved grandchildren, Dawn Michalak (Mark), Heather Zengel (Joe), Shane Peck (Denise), and Laura Owczarzak (Marc). She lived to be delighted by twelve great grandchildren: Emily, Sam, Max, Jack, Sophia and Isaac Michalak, Malorie, Riley and Morgan Owczarzak, Adam and Mariada Zengel and Chael Peck. When Earla and Eddie moved to Tucson, Arizona in 1971, she began an active life of community serve as President and Treasurer of Skyline Women’s Club at various times and as a woman to be counted on to assist those in need. She was valued as much for her cooking and baking (she made the best pies, hands down!) as she was for her brains, and her gentle spirit did not keep her from being a highly competent and competitive bridge player well into her nineties! As a resident of La Rosa Assisted Living, Earla changed her game and became known as a champion Bingo player. She stayed bright and creative until the end of her days and she will be sorely missed and mourned by all those fortunate to be her family and friends. A memorial service has been held, if you wish to honor Earla’s legacy of kindness, may we suggest a donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or to a charily of your choosing.