Ellen Mae Ouverson

Ellen Mae Ouverson, 107, of Clear Lake, passed away at her home on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023.

  A funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Clear Lake, with Reverend Josh Link officiating. Burial followed at the Clear Lake Cemetery.

A scriptural wake was held at 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 11, at Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapels, Clear Lake, with visitation following until 7 p.m.

Ellen Mae was born to Edward and Geneva (Bisgrove) Westover on Aug. 29, 1916, in Glenwood, Minn. When they moved back to Iowa, she attended school in Clear Lake. She did not graduate as she stayed at home to take care of her sick mother, Geneva.

In 1936, she met the love of her life at a basketball game. This handsome young man, Leonard “Ding” Ouverson, walked in and low and behold he sat down beside her. Six months later on Sept. 16, 1936, they united in marriage. To this union two children were born, Jay and Dianne.

They lived in Fertile for a while until she moved in 1940 to her uncle’s farm in Clear Lake. Ellen Mae loved her chickens and garden. In 1963 they moved into town. She cleaned some houses and worked at Clear View Roller Rink.

She loved vegetable gardening and taught herself how to crochet. Ellen made many afghans and doilies.

In 2014, she moved to Apple Valley Assisted Living.

She is survived by her daughter, Dianna (Marlin) Miller; grandsons, Brian (Mary) Ouverson, Todd (Chris) Ouverson, Eric (Biz) Ouverson, and Jeff (Mary) Miller; 14 great-grandchildren and 29 great-great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death are her parents, Edward and Geneva; husband, Leonard Ouverson; son, Jay Ouverson; brothers; sisters; and her granddaughter.

Memorials may be dedicated to Dianne Miller at 1000 9th Ave. S., Clear Lake, IA 50428.

The family would like to thank the staff at Apple Valley Assisted Living for the wonderful care and friendships they provided.

Ward-Van-Slyke Colonial Chapel, Clear Lake, was in charge of arrangements.