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Eleanor Wirtz Obituary
West Des Moines
Eleanor Leedham Wirtz "Ellie" passed away Friday, November25, 2011, in West Des Moines, Iowa. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church with interment at Jordan Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be 5 to 7 p.m., Monday at McLaren's Chapel, 801-19th Street, West Des Moines.
Born on October 18, 1929, in St. Louis, MO, she was the daughter of the late Harry K. Leedham and the late Lola Brandenburg Leedham, and had one brother, Robert Kennington Leedham.
Ellie is survived by daughters, Cynthia Byrne, Susan Turner, Emilie Katherine Shriver; and sons, E. Keith Wirtz and William Wirtz; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
While growing up in Missouri, Ellie was active in academics and extra-curricular activities at Webster Groves High School before earning an Art Scholarship to the University of Iowa in 1947. She quickly became a steadfast Hawkeye fan and devoted member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, both of which brought her joy throughout her life.
After her marriage Ellie raised five children but always found time to utilize her many talents for the glory of God through numerous activities at her beloved United Methodist Church in West Des Moines, the city where she lived most of her adult life. She was active in bridge clubs, PEO, and genealogical research (Society of Mayflower Descendants). Ellie was a gracious hostess, holding numerous neighborhood luncheons for the ladies of "Fourteenth Street." An accomplished scholar, she also earned a Master's Degree, and worked for the City of West Des Moines Water Works until she retired in 1994.
No one was a stranger to Ellie. Her home and heart were open to all, even the numerous stray animals her children tended to bring home regularly. Ellie will be missed by all whose lives she touched, and is now at peace with her Lord and Savior.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League. Online condolences may be made to www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Wirtz
Don
November 30, 2011
Sue:
I am sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. She was always very kind to me (even when I was a pain). Take Care
Marj Lange
November 29, 2011
I got acquainted with Ellie while I was at Edgewater Aster and often sat beside her at the dinner table. Her grace and her sense of humor were awesome! A lady I'll never forget.
Christine Milligan-Ciha
November 28, 2011
The world is a sadder place without the kind and gracious Ellie in it. I can still see her standing in my family room during KT meetings, and hear her cheerful comments.
November 28, 2011
Ellie's PEO friends from Chapter KT will miss her kindness and friendship. We were all blessed to know such a wonderful woman!
November 28, 2011
Everyone from Edgewater would like to send their thoughts and prayers to the Wirtz family at this time. She was such a kind person with a great sense of humor! She will be greatly missed!
Jenny Zeller
November 28, 2011
Bill,
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Jenny Zeller (Monson)
Debora Dickinson
November 28, 2011
She will be missed by all her friends. My mother Sally was one ofnthose friends. I am sure shebwas there in heaven to greet Ellie. My love and sympathy to her children.
November 28, 2011
Remembering Ellie Wirtz made me smile as she was so nurturing to all the VHS kids that ran through her house in the 1970's. She simply cared.
Lisa Mumma(Urbandale IA)
Anna Christiansen -Hammond
November 27, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Wirtz family. Ellie was an awesome person and a good friend to everyone.
Rusty Pinch
November 27, 2011
One of a kind! Unique friend--there was nobody quite like Ellie.
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McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel & Mortuary & Resthaven Cemetery801 19th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
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