Ellen M. Stey, 79, of Elkhorn, passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, Feb. 21, 2024, in her home.
She was born May 26, 1944, in Lena, Illinois, she was the fourth of 10 children to her parents, the late C.D. and Ellen (Larsen) Overson.
Ellen had a fascinating, fun and adventurous life. After high school, she attended UW-Madison for a year, where she also was a beauty queen, winning the Miss Madison beauty pageant, and later, second runner up in the Miss Wisconsin pageant in 1963. From there, she attended United Airlines Stewardess School, and then began her career as a flight attendant in 1964.
Ellen met her future husband, Lee Stey, on her first working trip as a flight attendant, while both were employees of United Airlines. They were later united in marriage in 1966. The next year, she became a stay-at-home mom to raise her son and stepdaughters for the next 14 years, living in Camarillo, California, from 1966 until 1976, and then in Elkhorn from 1976 on.
In the early 1980s, she reentered the workforce after earning her Wisconsin real estate license, focusing her attention on the beautiful properties at Lauderdale Lakes, near Elkhorn. In the mid 1980s, Ellen returned to work for United Airlines as an international flight attendant and purser, traveling all over the world until her retirement in 2009.
Known and loved by her numerous friends and family for her intelligence, beauty, wicked humor, fierceness, morality, amazing generosity, compassion, and zest for life, she was a true matriarch to her family. She was someone who was always available to family and friends for counsel, comfort or a shoulder to cry on. She will truly be remembered with love and joy by all those who had the blessed opportunity to know her.
Ellen is survived by her son, Richard Stey; two step-daughters, Leslee (Phil) Casey, Noelle (Erich) Lauer; five grandchildren, Stephanie (Chris) Sandoval, Jacob Stey, Callen (Andrew) Wilson, Megan Colletta, and Alex Colletta; two great-grandchildren, Maxwell Sandoval and Magnolia Colletta, seven siblings, David (Joan) Overson, Kathleen Pruzek, Camille (Keith) Stelter, Charlotte (Ron) Hensler, Bea Laine, Susan Overson, and Barbara (Brian) Nash; and dear friend, Ann Kerwitz and family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lee; and two brothers, Bruce and Mark Overson.
A private celebration of Ellen’s life will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to Lakeland Animal Shelter would be greatly appreciated. Online guest book at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com
