Corley, Ella J. 1918-2010

CORLEY, EILERS, PAGELER

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/24/2010 at 08:31:53

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, Monday, September 20, 2010

Ella J. Corley, 91, of Le Mars, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2010, at Plymouth Manor Care Center in Le Mars.

Ella Johannah Lena Eilers was born Oct. 13, 1918, on a farm north of Craig, the daughter of John and Theda (Pageler) Eilers. She attended country school near Craig.

Ella was united in marriage to J.M. "Jim" Corley Feb. 21, 1940, at the church parsonage in Craig. Together, Ella and Jim farmed near Craig for 48 years. They also operated Corley's Drive-In in Le Mars from 1957 to 1962.

They retired from farming in 1980 and continued to live on the farm until moving to Le Mars in 1990.

Ella and Jim had been longtime members of St. John Lutheran Church in Craig. During this time she and Jim had served as treasurer of the church for a period of time. Ella also taught Sunday School years ago and participated in circle.

Ella enjoyed playing Canasta with family; especially with her grandchildren and playing Old Maid with the younger children.

She and Jim enjoyed wintering in South Texas for 19 winters.

In 1988, they joined Grace Lutheran Church where Ella participated in circle and Bible study.

Survivors include her husband of 70 years, Jim of Le Mars; a daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Ted Witter of Le Mars; three granddaughters, Tracy Farnham and her children Jordan and Sara of Marion, Julie Jewell and her husband, Jeff of Dodgeville, Wis., and their children Tate, Beau, and Corley May, and Cindy Kovacs and her husband, Rob of Ankeny, and their children Courtney, Matthew, and Evan.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Le Mars with the Rev. Tim Geitz officiating. Interment will be at St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Craig. Visitations will be after 5 p.m. Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church followed by a 7 p.m. prayer service at the church. Visitation will continue Wednesday afternoon at the church from 1 p.m. until service time.