"Most people get one opportunity in life, I had several and I took them all." Hi this is Ellie, and I am and will be 61 years young forever! As of February 13th, 2014 it will be a little hard to get hold of me. If you need anything in my absence feel free to contact any of my beloved family. My dear daughter, Sarah, who gave me all the love and affection any mom could ever hope for. Sarah gave me three beautiful grandchildren (Isaiah, Ryiah, & Jerimiah). My two sons, Paul and Eric, who both gave me two beautiful grandchildren each! (Natalia, Bianca, Hailey & Aubrey). My youngest daughter Rebecca gave me my first brand new car and boy was I ridding around in style. My Husband Kenneth who I had so many laughs and adventures with. Even if Ken seems far he has a big heart and will always be near. You can also reach; my sister Patty, no sister ever had such enduring love than Patty. I also had three brothers, Alan, Ellwood, and Dale; who gave me altogether 17 nieces and nephews. Ellwood and Alan's kids were my first kids, the ones I trained on and gave me valuable experience long before mine came along! A lot of you may not know that I was the Cheerleading Captain at my high school and the Prom Queen. I have 2 degrees, a Bachelors' Degree in Math and a Bachelors' Degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin. While I went to college I ran several games on the summer carnival, which is still one of my fondest memories in life. Later I worked at Minolta paper company, then became a Math Teacher at Richland Middle School in BISD and my most recent endeavor was with Ken, he & I operated a big rig truck and traveled all over the United States. As you may know, I moved to California in the 60's where my free spirit and understanding of positive energy may have taken root. Since then I have enjoyed many things in life such as my love for games like Risk, Mancala, Farkle, Chess, (and too many more to count). I loved to write and wrote many poems. I became addicted to chocolate covered cherries years ago and had them every Christmas. I loved to swim too; I taught all four of my children to be great swimmers and spent literally hundreds of summer nights at Chisolm Pool. We also went camping and fishing nearly every summer at Purtis Creek State Park and every time we went, the different kids I took outnumbered me! I became the "mom" of the group when we took in some of the biggest characters yet, from the Renaissance fairs. I also built friendships and laughed with all of my neighbors on Wooddale Dr. Friends will be appreciated at the service to enjoy some of the greatest treasures in life, friends, family and good memories. Please feel free to join my family at Rebecca's house in Irving as they laugh and celebrate at all the crazy things I did and know I am watching the whole thing and laughing louder than all of you. It's not over till it's over so enjoy your life and give me lots to laugh at from where I am. Just a quick note about staying healthy; while my health might have succeeded in slowing me down and causing quite a bit of havoc, it did not stop me from living. I am proud of each day I lived on. I always tried to raise healthy children and support those making healthy choices. Please send the family condolences and sign the guest book on this site. Arrangements are under the direction of: Aria Cremation Service & Funeral Home 1820 N. Belt Line Road Irving, Texas 75061