Obituaries must be approved to run by 3 p.m. Monday for the Wednesday edition, or 3 p.m. Wednesday for the Sunday edition. Email to obit@wilcosun.com. Obituaries are $72 and include a close up photo, and up to 250 words. Extra words, or photos can be added for an additional fee.
Dolores (Dee) Elizabeth Ann Els
Dolores (Dee) Elizabeth Ann Els
Dolores (Dee) Elizabeth Ann Els passed away on April 22, at the age of 87. She died peacefully at her home in Billings, Montana with her children, Kyle and Kristi, by her side.
Dee was born on January 9, 1936, in Falls City, Nebraska, to Homer and Esther Scheitel. After graduating from high school in Lincoln Nebraska, Dee obtained her associates degree in business. She then enjoyed working for a CPA firm.
Dee met the love of her life, Jack Els, at Ken Eddies Drive-In, the hot spot in the 50’s and 60’s in Lincoln, Nebraska. The couple married in 1957, and they lived together, inseparable for over 63 years, until Jack’s passing June 14, 2020. Jack and Dee raised their family in Nebraska and North Dakota and then retired to Sun City in Georgetown, Texas.
Dee was an active member of her communities and volunteered on a regular basis including Beta Sigma Phi Sorority and Meals on Wheels. She was an avid bridge player her entire life and even attained Master status. Dee also enjoyed golfing in the competitive women’s leagues. She delighted in reminiscing about the hole in one she made at Legacy Hills in Sun City.
Dee loved being a wife and mother. She took an active roll in her children’s activities including being an outstanding den mother for Cub Scouts and a Bluebird leader for Camp Fire Girls. She was a talented homemaker and a stellar organizer of many family camping trips. She delighted in decorating and celebrating all the holidays, and Christmas was her favorite. She crafted many of her own cherished treasures throughout the years.
Dee is survived by children, Kyle Els (Tammy) of Anderson, South Carolina, and Kristi Fischer (Mike) of Billings, Montana; four grandchildren; and eight great Grandchildren. Dee was proud of her family and she loved them with all her heart. Godspeed mom, your legacy of love will live on.
We would like to thank the staff at Saint John’s United (SJU) Wyndstone Community and SJU Home Health and Hospice for the loving care they provided our mom. She loved living and participating within the Wyndstone community of hope, dignity and love. Should friends/family desire, contributions may be made to SJU Billings, Montana, at give.stjohnsunited.org.