Ella Lillian Agee Cronbaugh

Ella Lillian Agee Cronbaugh’s soul returned peacefully to her Creator the afternoon of August 4, 2023. At the time of her death she was independent, quick-witted and had a closet of clothes with rhinestones to match her sparkling personality. She was always ready to jump in the car to go wherever. Ella unfailingly supported all of her families’ activities through prayer, pictures, phone calls, or attendance at events.

She was born to Ben and Margaret Agee on July 30, 1926 in Marengo, Iowa. She had an enchanted childhood with loving, devoted parents and extended family. When Ella was nine, her mother died and she was raised by her father, a kind and loving parent. Aunts and grandparents helped raise her in the big house on Court Avenue in Marengo, Iowa. Her cousins were like brothers and the entire town watched out for and encouraged her.

Her childhood was filled with antics such as drinking her milk at the dinner table like a kitten in a bowl, skating on the dining room table, keeping charge accounts at all the stores, and spending time outside playing jacks with her many friends. The only time she remembered her father saying no to her was when she wanted to take flying lessons! One of her favorite things was to stop at Peggy’s Soda Fountain for a cold hotdog for breakfast on the way to school. It was there that she developed a life-long love of ice cream. Put some chocolate on it and she was in heaven!

Ella was a good student, homecoming queen and on an All-State basketball team. She worked as a phone switchboard operator during high school and as a bank teller after her graduation in 1944. Many of her high school friends remained dear to her for the rest of her days.

She married the love of her life that she met in junior high, Max Cronbaugh, on September 10, 1945. Her father, Ben Agee, died shortly thereafter. She was quickly adopted into Max’s family. Once a city girl, she rapidly acclimated to farm life with the help of her wonderful mother-in-law and sweet sisters-in-law. She became an amazing cook and hostess.

She and Max had two children, Don and Margaret (Margo), who were the center of their lives. They played and traveled together all over the United States. They were at every activity their children were involved in. Ella loved being a mom. Max and Ella were church youth leaders and Ella was a 4-H leader for many years. Later in their life the couple traveled to Canada, the Netherlands and several countries in Europe. Most of all, the two of them established family values of doing your best, being honest, being kind, thinking of others first, and following God’s plan for your life. They were faith-filled and prayerful. After her husband died, she never got over missing him. They were truly soulmates and partners who never said an unkind word to each other.

Coffee time happened as often as possible in Ella’s life. She loved catching up with family and friends on a daily basis. Her interest in others’ lives and her joyful, engaging personality resulted in many friends. She cherished each and every one she knew.

In spite of her age she seldom lost a card game, particularly Nerts. She loved putting puzzles together, going to family celebrations, playing games, telling stories about her life adventures, and teaching her grandchildren how to make butterballs. She was always delighted to have conversations with her grand and great-grandchildren. Two weeks before her death she spent eight days with all 30 members of her family celebrating her upcoming 97 ^th birthday. She enjoyed every minute and gave each of her 14 great-grandchildren a framed diamond painting she had made for them. She never quit smiling and loved every minute she spent with each person. She was the best of grandmothers.

Ella made the world a better place. It was her joy to serve in all aspects of church work. Her service on the County Health Board and her many years of volunteering at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo were very important to her. She was an Easter Star member and sat as an election official for over 20 years. Whatever was needed she was always willing to help.

Ella was the epitome of a life well lived. She knew the secret to happiness was thinking of others before herself and to walk daily with the fellowship of God. He surely welcomed her with the words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.” She was a shining reflection of God’s love.

Ella is survived by her son Don (Leanne) Cronbaugh of Belle Plaine, IA and her daughter Margo (Larry) Bean of Casper, WY, grandchildren Calli (Nick) Walker, Abigail (Jesse) Kasper, Benjamin (Amanda) Cronbaugh, Joshua (Fedia) Bean, Amber (Michael) DeBernardo, Nathan (Molly) Bean, Nicole Bean, and great-grandchildren Camrynn, Phoebe, Reese, James, Oliver, Riley, Xavier, Mars, Cassius, Mia, Sullivan, Vincent, Marilyn, and Ella.

She will be joyously remembered at a celebration of her life on August 17 ^th in Marengo at the First United Methodist Church (895 Court Avenue, Marengo, IA 52301) at 3:00 p.m. with a dinner/reception at The Red Barn (1404 G Avenue, Marengo, IA 52301) immediately following the service. There will be a video link for the service for all out-of-state friends and family (Remember: it is Central Standard Time). Please visit the Facebook page First UMC Marengo to view live-stream of the service. To honor Ella, memorials may be contributed to the Iowa Valley Schools, Marengo, or to Compass Memorial Healthcare, Marengo.