Ella Carol Meade

Ella Carol Meade, age 88 of Fairborn, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton. She was born January 5, 1937 in Oil Springs, KY, the daughter of the late Henry Ward Beecher and Edna (Picklesimer) Stapleton.  Ella lived a full and vibrant life, marked by her dedication to family and community.

Ella was employed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in the base restaurants, retiring in 1998 after more than 25 years of devoted service. Her culinary skills were renowned among her loved ones, as cooking was everything to Ella. She even enjoyed reading cookbooks in her spare time.  However, Ella's passions extended beyond the kitchen as she cherished every moment spent with her family, creating lasting memories with them.  A devoted member of the community, she attended Tree of Life Ministries in Fairborn, where she shared her love for life and faith.

Ella is survived by her five children: Rick (Sharene) Meade, Karen Weaver, Frank Meade, Brenda (Sheldon) Nickels, and Carol (David) Allen. She is also remembered fondly by her sister, Anamary Wehle. Ella's legacy continues through her grandchildren: Eric (Kelly), Renee, Becky, Ken, Dan, Chelsea (Travis), Chase (Karina), Christian, Jason, Amanda, Jessie, Christina (John), Jenny (Mike), and Kathleen (Tony). Her great-grandchildren include Kayla, Andrew, Carson, Aidan, Dylan Brendan, Frankie Lynn, Ozzie, Rocky, Milo, Dominique, Natalie, Quinten, Jase, Concetta, John, Eli, Micah, Reed, Carter, Grace, Matthew, and Brayden. Ella was also blessed with a great-great-granddaughter, Eleanor, who added to her joy and love for family.

In addition to her parents, Ella was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billy Meade, in 1992, and her grandson, Brian Jacob Meade, in 2019. She was also predeceased by her brother, Edgar Mack Stapleton, as well as infant siblings John Raymond Stapleton and infant great-grandsons Matthew and Luke Augustine, and great-grandson Christopher Sievering. Ella was also preceded in death by nine half-siblings.

Visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday September 23, 2025, from 9:30 AM until 11:00 AM at Belton-Stroup Funeral Home, located at 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn.  Following the visitation, a funeral service will commence at 11:15 AM with her grandson, Pastor Eric Meade officiating.  Burial will follow at the Byron Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to Hospice of Dayton in her memory.

Ella Carol Meade touched the lives of many through her kindness, generosity, and unwavering love for her family and friends. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.