Ellen Marie Reinig, a kind and welcoming individual known for her great sense of humor, passed away Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023, at the Windsor Manor in Nevada, Iowa, with her loving family at her side.
Ellen was born March 19, 1939, in Buckeye, Iowa, the daughter of Ray Martin and Irean Ruth (Lawson) Thoms.
She was a beloved wife, mom, grandma and great-grandma.
A visitation will take place Monday, Oct. 16 at 10 a.m. with a memorial service beginning at 11 a.m. at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home at 1418 Fawcett Parkway in Nevada. Private burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in Toledo, Iowa.
Ellen graduated from Toledo High School in 1957 and was united in marriage to Ray Zmolek in 1958. From this union, two daughters were born, Pam and Jan. They later divorced.
Ellen worked for 39.5 years as a secretary for the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo and later at the Woodward State Hospital.
On Oct. 30, 2002, Ellen was united in marriage to Earl Lawrence “Larry” Reinig in Arizona. Together they enjoyed traveling, including seven cruises, going to Africa and many trips in their motorhome. They also spent many winters in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Ellen was a devoted member of Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada. Her faith was very important to her.
Ellen leaves behind many loving relatives. Her survivors include her husband, Larry of Nevada; her daughter, Pam (Randy) Cibula of Camdenton, Missouri, and their children, Brooke (Tony) Brayton, Derek (Liz) Cibula and Britni (Mike) Cibula; her great-grandchildren, Everett Cibula, Eloise Cibula, Keegan Brayton and Dillon Brayton; her daughter, Jan (Matt) Vellinga of Urbandale, and their daughter, Jordan (Connor) McCuen; and her great-granddaughter, Blakely McCuen; her niece, Kim Klotz of Austin, Texas; her step-children, Mark (Pam) Reinig of Elkader, and their children, Bridgette (Austin) Eanes, Brady Reinig, Catherine Fruehling and Laura (Kevin) Kann; her step-great-grandchildren, Willa Eanes, Quincy Eanes, Henry Kahn, Lillian Kahn and Bailey Wall; her step-daughter, Diane (Randy) Staker of Reinbeck, Iowa, and their children, Jason Staker, Eric (Kristen) Staker and Adam (Breanna) Staker; her step-great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Madison, Emma, Graham, Julius and a baby on the way; her step-daughter, Donna (Mark) Cain of New Hope, Goergia, and their children, Michael Cain and Alex (Jake) Calloway; and her step-great-granddaughter, Hope Ann Calloway.
Preceding Ellen in death are her parents; and her sister, Nell Cowgil.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Croix Hospice in memory of Ellen. The Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada is handling arrangements for Ellen. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.
