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Stephanie Ely Obituary
News Death Notice
ELY, Stephanie James 58, passed away Monday, Dec. 27, at Hospice of Dayton. She was a two-year survivor of pancreatic cancer. Stephanie was a staff member in the Dept. of Communication and Marketing at Wright State University. She filled several roles during the 14 years prior to her diagnosis, the most recent as director of media relations. A veteran newspaper photojournalist, Stephanie worked for the European Stars & Stripes in Germany, and in Florida for The St. Petersburg Times and The Orlando Sentinel. In the mid-1970s, the St. Pete Times was at the forefront of newspaper photojournalism and was leading the way in full-color press photography. Stephanie covered hurricanes, car wrecks, fires, cops, college and pro football, the arts, rock and roll and pop music, and many projects of her own making. Working at Stars & Stripes, 1980-85, Stephanie's assignments included photographing and writing about military maneuvers, service members' missions, their lifestyles and families throughout Europe, and in Egypt, Turkey and Greece. Her photo showing the aftermath of a terrorist bombing targeting a top U. S. Army general in Heidelberg, Germany, was the cover shot for Stern, the leading German newsweekly magazine at the time. At The Orlando Sentinel, 1985-1990, Stephanie covered news along the Space Coast, including numerous space shuttle launches from Kennedy Space Center and Air Force launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Stephanie is survived by her husband of 31 years, Rob; their sons Travis and Will; parents Bill and Evelyn James of Bloomington, Ind.; three brothers from the Chicago area, Jeff, David and Patrick James; a sister, Susan Doyle from near Madison, Wis.; and a brother, Matt James from Athens, Ohio. A memorial service will be held Monday, Jan. 9 at 3 p.m. at St. Helen Parish, 605 Granville Place, Dayton. A reception will follow at Wright State University in the Berry Room of the Nutter Center. Stephanie wanted to establish a scholarship for student workers in the Dept. of Communication and Marketing. Details as they become available about the church service, the reception and the scholarship will be posted on the Web at http://stephanieelymemorial.blogspot.com/
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephanie Ely
Peggy (Ried) Hawrysko
January 24, 2012
My prayers go out to the James Family. We were childhood friends in Northbrook West Illinois. Will always have memories of Stevie, Sue and Mrs. James in their basement directing our Blue Bird and Camp Fire Girls group. Perhaps Stevie and our Nancy, who passed away 8 months ago, have been reunited and are sharing childhood stories. Rest in Peace girls. Sincerely, Peggy (Ried) Hawrysko
Rhonda Rogalinski
January 13, 2012
Rob, Travis & Will,
We are so sorry for your loss. We have lots of fond memories of Stephanie from Mary Help. We worked on so many volunteer activities together. She was a special lady! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Eric, Rhonda, Paige, Lauren, Matthew, Travis, Adrienne & Harper Rogalinski
David Garrison
January 10, 2012
As a professor at Wright State for thirty years, I occasionally needed help from Stephanie, usually to announce an event of some kind. She was always very professional, creative, helpful, and friendly. I enjoyed working with her and, like everyone who knew her, will miss her very much. She was a ray of sunshine in everyone's day.
Bonnie & Roger Owens
January 3, 2012
My husband, Roger and I had no idea that Stephanie was ill. To Stephanie's family, you are in our prayers.
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Margaret Correale
January 3, 2012
Rob, Travis and Will,
Thank you so much for sharing your wife and mother with me and with my Noble Circle sisters. Stephanie was very much the heart and soul of her Noble Circle group, always open and honest with her feelings and supportive of all her sisters. In the brief amount of time I spent with her, I loved her, will miss her, and will never forget her. On behalf of all the sisters of the Noble Circle Project please accept our condolences for your loss and our gratitude for her memory.
Sincerely,
Margaret Correale,
Group Facilitator and Chair of the Noble Circle Project
Jack Kramer
January 2, 2012
As director of marketing for Edison Community College in Piqua from 1985 to 2010, I worked with Stephanie during her years in the Wright State media relations office. "You are a true pro at what you do," I often remarked when Edison partnered with Wright State. I learned from Stephanie. I always looked forward to teaming with her. As we blended efforts to advance the higher education institutions in the region, we often paused to share lighter moments, too. In the summer of 2011 at a wedding reception-- I, my wife and son enjoyed the company of Stephanie and her husband. Stephanie's family and her countless number of friends have benefited greatly from being a part of her life, and will continue to do so. Forever, her spirit lives on. In fact, we are inspired by Stephanie's spirit. As we cope with her physical loss, we have comfort knowing that God is providing us with the strength to focus so many thoughts and prayers on Stephanie's new and wonderful life...
Jack, Karen, Tim and Bethany Kramer
Nicki Young
December 31, 2011
Rob, Travis and Will, we were so sad to hear that Stephanie lost her battle with cancer. I know you three will miss her terribly. My fondest memory of Stephanie was from Travis's first time at boy scout camp. We were there for parents' night and Stephanie asked Travis to get his dirty clothes so she could take them home. I'll never forget the look on her face when he said he didn't have any dirty clothes.
You three are in our prayers.
Phyl, Nicki, Katie, Jonathan, & Samantha
Becky Sommer
December 31, 2011
Rob, I have so often asked about Stephanie when I've retuned to Dayton and WSU. I didn't know she was so ill. I have wonderful memories of laughing with Stephanie and hearing her talk about her family in such a loving way. You and the boys will be in my heart.
Becky Sommer
Cathy Jackson
December 31, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Stephanie. As a member of Carroll H.S. marching band family we shared many good times together. I so enjoyed working closely with Stephanie on the fish fry's and other band activities. You will be missed Stephanie. Your family will be in our prayers. Greg, Cathy & Dan Jackson and family
Dana B
December 30, 2011
I am sorry to hear of the loss of Stephanie. I was familiar with her work while at the Orlando Sentinel all those years ago. She was very talented and special. As you share, talk, and remember Stephanie, may you truly find that the one you loved so much is still living in your hearts. May God show you the way to new hope, peace, and happines... ~Dana
Melissa Spirek
December 30, 2011
I will miss her as a colleague and as a mentor to our media majors. What a cool news hound! I will miss her most of all at the Scout Doggie Park.
Carol Herringer
December 30, 2011
I still remember the sage advice Stephanie gave me about child-rearing several years ago. I will miss her at WSU.
Rob & Jane Fortener & family
December 30, 2011
Rob, Travis and Will,
We are all so sorry for your loss. Please know that you will all be in our prayers for days, weeks and months to come.
Carolyn & Bob Souders
December 30, 2011
Many Thanks for the compassionate, loving and humerous times Stephanie shared with our daughter-in-law in her struggles with cancer. She was wonderful friend to the whole family and will be missed.
God keep Her in His Heart and Her Family in His Hands.
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