Daylene Ellis

Daylene Swanson Ellis, our beautiful and loving mother, grandmother, and great friend to so many, unexpectedly passed away due to a sudden and intense onset of pancreatitis on March 1, 2026 at the age of 93. She led a very full and happy life while here on Earth. But we know she is now undoubtedly rejoicing in her Lord's presence, while once again warmly embracing Larry Ellis, her husband of 68 years, whom she has deeply missed for the last four years. Although it was hard for all of us to say our goodbyes, we are so happy for her to joyfully arrive at her final destination, in the happiest place of all…heaven.

Daylene was born in Creston, Iowa on October 4,1932 as the only (spoiled) child of her parents, Day and Mildred Livingston Swanson. Her name was created and given to her because both her Dad's first name and grandfather's last name was Day. Several years later, she was so happy when adding a wonderful stepfather, Lee Onstot, along with two protective stepbrothers, Bob and Jerry Onstot, into this beautiful new blended family. They all moved to Norwalk, Iowa when Daylene was ten.
Daylene and Larry were two of only sixteen classmates graduating from Norwalk High School in 1951. Daylene liked to tell the story of how annoying she found this ornery "showoff" named Larry, who used to "heckle" her as she guarded her opponents while on the Norwalk High School basketball team! She and Larry played the parts of a married couple in their senior class play. And, behold, two years later, these "roles in the play" became reality when marrying each other on November 8, 1953 in Norwalk.

Daylene and Larry were beyond blessed to be able to love and enjoy this marriage for so many years. Together, they raised three children, Kelly, Kim, and Kayla. Daylene held various bookkeeping jobs, including work at Preferred Risk, Massey Ferguson, and a dental office upon retirement. She and Larry loved spending time with family and friends, camping, long motorcycle trips, special vacations, strong church connections, lots of card playing, and treasured their memories of all the fun that was had, as well as the many new friendships that were formed while wintering in Pharr, Texas for nineteen warm years.

Daylene harvested so many friendships over her 93 years on Earth because she was so friendly, positive, smart, witty, humble, kind, welcoming, and sincere. She was definitely a true beauty inside and out! Daylene graciously gifted many of the people she loved with beautiful, handmade gifts created from her many years of cross-stitching, quilting, and knitting hobbies. She also loved spending time reading or listening to books, socializing with friends, going to coffee, playing cards, Jokerboard, and many other games. To say Daylene was competitive was a huge understatement! She was an active member of Norwalk Christian Church, Norwalk Women's Club, Red Hat and P.E.O.

Daylene absolutely embraced her daily use of any and all technology she could get her hands on! The bigger, the newer, the brighter the better!. She loved her cellphone, iPad, Kindle, smart watch, Facebook, Google, online banking, Alexa, Ring Doorbell, and all her Smart plugs. At Christmas time, she nearly burst into tears after opening her newest coveted technological device… a robotic vacuum! She definitely kept busy with and loved using ALL the things!

We can assuredly and joyfully celebrate that Larry and Daylene are now happily reunited with each other, along with their infant daughter, La Rae, their parents, their son-in-law, Paul Swift, and many other loved ones and friends who have passed before them. Yet they will both continue to be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by their three children: Kelly (Tammy) Ellis of New Braunfels, Texas, Kim Ginkens of Norwalk, Kayla Swift of Norwalk, as well as by their six grandchildren: Merrille (Chris) Rallo, John (Courtney) Ellis, Logan (Risa) Ginkens, Jolyssa (Garett) Sterner, Danielle Swift, and Charles Lampkin. Their legacy of love will continue on through their eight great grandchildren: Hayden and Landon Rallo, Connor and Parker Ellis, Grayson, Lux, and Beckett Ginkens, and Harper Sterner.

In accordance with Daylene's adamant request of having no service, we are politely complying with her personal request. However, please know we will continue to appreciate all of your warm thoughts, shared personal stories, faithful prayers, and emotional support and caring you may offer us at this time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pink Tractor Foundation or Norwalk Christian Church.

"When tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand
That an angel came and called me, and took me by the hand.
The angel said my place was ready, in Heaven far above
And that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home
For God looked down, smiled at me, and told me, "Welcome Home."
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
For every time you think of me, I'm right there in your heart."

Arrangements by Iles Norwalk Chapel.