Cecilia Ellington Bowen

LAGUNA WOODS, Calif. - Cecilia Ellington Bowen died Sunday, May 15, 2011, at Laguna Woods.

Celie was the daughter of Hamlet and Inez Ellington. She has two brothers, Edward and Darwin, her brother, John preceded her in death. She has three sisters, Arline, Heidi Ann and Eloise.

Celie lived in Spearfish, S.D., during her younger years and was educated in the local schools. She married Dale Townsend of Spearfish in 1943, during World War II. Of that union, Mary Margaret Townsend was born. They divorced in 1945.

Celie married James F. Bowen in 1948. Together they worked and managed the Bowen Hereford Ranch near Belle Fourche, S.D., and decided to move to California. They had three children, Kathleen Marie, Mary Patricia and a son, James "Mitch" Mitchell. Jim died in 1990.

Celie worked at Northrop Aerospace Company and was involved in building the B2 Stealth plane. She became an executive secretary and was well liked. She purchased a home in Laguna Woods and retired there.

At the time of her death her two daughters, Kathleen and Patsy were with her. She received the blessings of the Catholic Church and prayers were said. Burial was at sea.

Mary Margaret who lives in Michigan and Mitch who has a home in Paso Robles, Calif., came and spent time with their mother. Celie has two grandchildren, Lisa and Tony; and three great-grandchildren, Chancer, Nina and Sergio. All the Ellington family visited Celie in her last days.

Celie was known for her cheery ways and quick wit. She will be greatly missed by all.