Obituary of Ellen Mae Manley

    Ellen Mae Manley, one of ten children of George Henry Edward and Edna Marie (Kuecker) Maahs, was born April 14, 1942, in Whittemore, Iowa. She grew up near Whittemore and received her education there, graduating from Whittemore High School with the class of 1960.

    In 1961, Ellen was united in marriage to Thomas Farrell; they became parents of four sons: Cletus, John, Craig and Edward; the union later dissolved. In 1991, Ellen married Donald Dean Manley of Primghar, Iowa. They retired together in the early 90s and relocated to Adobe Wells in McAllen, Texas. No longer having to worry about the cold Iowa winters, they enjoyed golfing, exploring the local establishments and playing cribbage or cards with friends. Occasionally, they would take short trips across the border into Mexico to see the sights. Ellen spent a lot of time outdoors tending her garden or relaxing with a crochet project in her hands, and their door was always open for family visits. Usually, the summer months were spent in Northwest Iowa, either in Primghar or Spencer because family was everything to Ellen, and she cherished the times she spent with her boys and grandchildren.

    On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, Ellen passed from this life at the age of 83 years. She now joins loved ones who had gone before: her husband, Don (2021); her parents, George and Edna Maahs; three sisters: Kate, Eileen and Julie; four brothers: Bob, Don, Richard and Bill.

    Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Cletus Farrell of Sanborn, Iowa, John and his wife, Donna Farrell also of Sanborn, Iowa, Craig and his wife, Chris Farrell of Brandon, South Dakota, and Edward Farrell of Denison, Iowa; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; her brother, Paul and his wife, LeAnn Maahs of Otsego, Minnesota; and her sister, Marilyn Dietrich; other relatives and many dear friends.