Maxine Ele

Biography

Maxine Lucille Ele, of McCook died Monday, May 7, 2007 at Hillcrest Nursing Home. She was 83 years old.

Maxine was born on November 10, 1923 at Orleans, Nebraska to Delburn Fay and Irene Anna (Ball) Willsey. The family moved to Wauneta where Maxine graduated from high school.

On May 13, 1943, she married Winfield LeRoy "Pat" Ele at McCook. To this union four children were born. They made their home in Wauneta for awhile before moving their family to McCook. Maxine was a homemaker and also worked for TRW as a machinist.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Wauneta. She was a den mother for the Cub Scouts for many years. In her free time she enjoyed square dancing, playing cards, crocheting and sewing. Her most enjoyment came from spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Delburn and Irene Willsey; and two sisters, Berdeane Jussel Stewart and Verlene Wright.

Survivors include her husband of almost 64 years, Pat Ele of McCook; two daughters, Patricia and husband, Gerald Mitchem and Mary and husband, Tom Vontz, all of McCook; two sons, Robert Ele of Lincoln and Ned Ele and wife, Kim, of Scottsbluff; one brother, Delburn Willsey and wife, Betty, of Sierra Vista, AZ; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be given in her name.

A funeral service was Friday, May 11, 2007, 10:30 a.m., at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial took place at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook was in charge of the arrangements.