Ellen Dolezal (Ellie), 75, went to be with her heavenly family on November 8, 2023, with her family by her side. There will be a Celebration of Life at the South Tama County High School on Saturday, November 25th. Visitation will be from noon until 3:00 followed by a service at 3:30.

Ellie was born in Clay Center, Kansas to Donald and Mildred McKale. She graduated in 1966 from South Tama School. After graduation she briefly attended Midland Lutheran College in Nebraska to play basketball. Ellie married Larry Dolezal on September 16, 1967, and later divorced. From this marriage came Steve, who was the focus of her life.

Ellie taught Sunday school for 18 years at Christ United Methodist. In 1975 she began working for South Tama Community Schools. Her dad drove a school bus and taught her how to drive, which became her passion. Ellie was a bus driver, playground supervisor, ticket taker for softball and baseball games, and a paraprofessional. She retired after 33 years but went back as she missed the kids. At her passing, she was in her 48th year of driving bus. She said they kept her in the loop. She was so proud of receiving the "Heart of a Trojan Award". In addition to her service to the school, Ellie loved mowing yards and at one time had 23 yards. She also ran detasseling crews for over 20 years.

Ellie loved time with her family and friends. She built a house next door to her parents so she could always be close to them and take care of them in their later years. She enjoyed playing solitaire, watching "The Young and Restless", thrifting, cheering on the Hawkeyes and Cyclones, and devoting her life to Steve and her grandkids. She spent countless hours attending tennis and bowling tournaments, basketball games, and band performances for Steve, Rylee, and Reece.

Ellie touched many lives as they touched hers. She always had a big smile on her face and greeted you with a hug. Her mottos were to be kind, respectful and give hugs. No one was a stranger to her as she cared about everyone. There wasn't a place she went to where she didn't know someone and if so, she would make a new friendship.

Survivors include her son, Steve (Mercy); granddaughter, Rylee; grandson, Reece; sisters, Georgia (Ordell) Matzdorff and Coleene Havens; brother, Don (Janna) McKale; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; goddaughter, Lindsey Bevins; adopted family Amy, Chris, Jessi, Kara, and Levi Nachazel; and other very special people.

Preceding her in death were her parents and a niece, Traci.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Tama County Animal Rescue League, South Tama Elementary, and the Toledo Presbyterian Church.

Source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/ellen-dolezal-obituary?id=53571556