Eleanor Elizabeth Hevel peacefully took her final breath, in the home she adored, on November 12, 2024. She left behind a heck of a lot of stuff for her family to go through–most of which they don't know what to do with. But more than anything, she left behind a legacy of love, laughter, embellished stories, and a family that will never run out of things to say about her. She was unforgettable, and she made sure of it.

Ellie made her grand entrance into this world on June 12th, 1938 in Dayton, Ohio. At the age of eighteen, the pull of the world drew her to New York City, where she auditioned to become a Rockette. After a couple years of high-kicking in front of thousands at Radio City Music Hall, she and a few fellow Rockettes set off on a steamship and spent six months gallivanting through Europe. Ellie eventually returned to New York for one more year of high-kicking before she went back to Europe where she worked at an army base.

In her next life chapter, Ellie worked as a ticket agent for American Airlines in New York. While visiting her brother in Arizona in 1965, she met and fell in love with Bernard "Ben" Hevel, a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and fighter pilot. How did their paths cross? Well, with a date of his own with his future wife, Ellie's brother needed a distraction for his sister. Enter Ben–the somewhat unwilling wingman–who agreed to keep her company. And, as they say, the rest was history. Six months later–and a visit to see her in New York on a U.S. F-100 in between–they were married at Williams Air Force Base in July 1965.

Marrying Ben meant starting a life not only with him, but also with his two daughters, Julie and Jeannie. Ellie graciously stepped into motherhood, immediately loving them as her own. Together, she and Ben also welcomed two more children, Christine and Neal, and built a life filled with noise, a revolving door of family and friends, and just the right amount of chaos.

Ben's retirement from the Air National Guard took them to Kimberling City, Missouri, in 1976, where they found the home that would mark the remainder of their life. In the 80s, Ellie opened her first dance studio, where she not only taught the next generation of dancers but also became the fearless leader of her loyal group of aerobics gals. Over the years, there were many dance recitals, a camper that saw its fair share of miles, a foreign exchange student they loved as their own, dogs (lots of dogs), five grandchildren, countless days spent out on the water at Table Rock Lake, many Thanksgivings judging The Rockettes during the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and Christmas mornings spent with the entire family enjoying Ben's famous omelets.

To know Ellie was to love her. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. She exuded grace and patience and her generosity knew no bounds. A modern-day saint who loved unconditionally, she was the knot that held together many strings. Ellie's life was rich in love, laughter and family and her lifelong passions included dancing, cooking, and gardening. She never missed a hair appointment and was the queen of clip on earrings. She drove a stick shift longer than she probably should have, enjoyed one vodka gimlet most nights and had a deep (and somewhat controversial) love of oyster stew. She adored her Patrick (aka Patrick Mahomes). She used the words "jazzy" and "nummy" regularly and dinner wasn't eaten until she exclaimed "Guten Appetit". She loved the lake, but heaven help you if you got her hair wet. She was fair, sassy, and quick witted. She was supportive and an exceptional listener. She taught her children and grandchildren to always go after their dreams - no matter how big or small - and she cheered the loudest when they did.

As age took its toll, Ellie's memory began to slip away. Though the days blurred and both old memories and new memories started to fade, she never forgot the faces–and the love–of her family. Up until her final breath, she held onto her spunk as best she could. We salute her for the hoot she was and we thank her from the bottom of our hearts for loving us so well and for so long. But Ellie was eager to see her Ben again and after 12 years, they are finally reunited.

She is also reunited with her beloved parents Jerome Thies and Virginia Fox, her younger brother Jerry and his wife Mickey, and her son-in-law, Keith Neill.

Ellie will be deeply missed by her children: Christine Neill, Neal Hevel and his wife Tasha Danner, Julie Scott, and Jeannie Moeskau and her husband Jim; her grandchildren: Olivia Aycock and her husband Alex Aycock, Georgia Neill, Samantha Scott, Lacey Scott, and Kyle Moeskau; and a growing crew of great-grandchildren.

We take comfort in knowing Ellie will rest easy, surrounded by the rhythm of dance, the love of countless four legged friends, and, most importantly, her Ben. Until we meet again.

Ellie will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, May 29th in Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church at 20 Kimberling City, MO 65686. A reception will follow in the church hall. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Parkinson's Foundation. Cremation was under the direction of Stumpff Funeral Home, Kimberling City, MO