Ellen Cook Harmeling

Ellen Cook Harmeling, age 89, claimed the promise of the resurrection on Thursday, September 6, 2018.

Born in Monmouth, IL, February 19, 1929 to Dr. Joseph and Mary Frances Maxwell, missionaries to the Sudan and Ethiopia, where she spent her early years. Ellen returned to the states and graduated from the Wheaton College (in 1950). After graduation, she served as a missionary with the Far Eastern Gospel Crusade in Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan. Ellen returned to the states and taught school in Walker, Iowa. Ellen moved to Orlando in 1962, was an afternoon radio personality on WXIV and ultimately taught in Orange County Schools (including Carver, Lakeview and West Orange) after receiving an MA from Rollins College, Ellen finished her career as a guidance counselor at West Orange High School.

In retirement, Ellen and her husband, Robert (Bob) moved to Lake Wales where they were members of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales. Ellen taught Sunday School, was a leader, teacher, and choir member. When she saw a need she was there to serve. Ellen was a volunteer at the Lake Wales Care Center where she served 28 years and more than 28,000 volunteer hours.

Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Bob (who called her "Ellie"), Theodore Bollman and her siblings; Jean Marshall, Martha Vandevort and Dr. James Howard Maxwell.

Ellen is survived by her children; Tom and Judy Harmeling of Lake Wales, Kent and Jackie Harmeling of Lake Wales, Kay and Mike Kemmer of Ormond Beach, Patte and Bruce Holdorff of Lakeland, Mike and Debbie Harmeling of Lake Wales, John and Kay Harmeling of Jacksonville, Bruce and Caroline Bollman of Cincinnati and Rick and Tina Harmeling of Lakeland. She has 31 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren who loved her dearly.

A memorial service will be held 10:45 a.m. Friday, September 21, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church of Lake Wales with Rev. Chad Reynolds, Rob Quam and John Harmeling officiating. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Lake Wales Care Center, 140 East Park Avenue, Lake Wales, Florida 33853.