Elinor Mulkey

Elinor Mae "Elly" Mulkey (née Horton), age 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 28, 2025, in Midlothian, Texas, following a brief illness. Born on July 10, 1935, in Chicago, Illinois, Elly lived a full and vibrant life marked by curiosity, resilience, and a deep appreciation for the arts and the people around her.

Elly's professional journey was as diverse and dynamic as her personality. In her early years, she worked at the Cracker Jack Company which was headquartered in Chicago and Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, IL, experiences that reflected her adventurous spirit and willingness to take on new challenges. After settling in Orland Park, Illinois, she worked for the Justice of the Peace and CPA, where she learned accounting. Many late nights were spent at her dining room table preparing clients' taxes before the April 15th deadline-an example of her dedication and work ethic.

When Elly and her family relocated to Texas, she joined the Kelly Girl temp agency. That opportunity led to a meaningful position at the University of Texas at Dallas graduate school, where she became the administrative assistant to the Dean of the Geosciences Department. Her organizational skills and professionalism left a lasting impression on those she worked with.

Elly moved to Roswell in the mid 70's and forged many new relationships. She had a deep love for art, music, reading, gardening, knitting, cooking; especially painting and golf. There wasn't much she couldn't do once she set her mind to it. Elly enjoyed walking the trails near her home in Roswell and spending quality time with her close friends. Traveling was another passion-she explored the world with her beloved husband Dick and later took cruises with her sister Harriet "Little Sissy" Hembrough Dowling. In recent years, she shared many of these joys with her dear friend, The Rev. R. J. "Bud" Milner, until his passing in March 2022.

A woman of faith and service, Elly found a spiritual home at St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Her commitment to community extended beyond worship; she was eventually asked to assist with administrative duties there-a testament to her reliability and generous spirit.

Elly is survived by her son, Bob Quinlan of Midlothian, TX; grandson Cody Quinlan and great-granddaughter Auti Quinlan of Mesquite, TX; sister Harriet Hembrough Dowling and husband Pat of Springfield, IL; nephews Jeff, Mike, and Chris Hembrough and their families; and her beloved canine of 8 years, Pumpkin.

She was preceded in death by her husband Dick E. S. Mulkey; parents Roland F. and Dorothy Armstrong Horton; daughter-in-law Theresa Quinlan; granddaughter Shannon Landers Sherman; and nephew Doug Hembrough.

Elinor Mae "Elly" Mulkey will be remembered for her unwavering spirit, sharp mind, creative talents, and enduring love for those around her. May she rest in peace and may her memory bring comfort to all who knew her. A Memorial Service will be held on August 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church 505 N. Pennsylvania. Reverend Dr. Susan Pigott officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Andrew's Church Foundation, P.O. Box 1495 Roswell, NM 88202 or to the Kerr County, TX Flood Relief Fund.