Ella Mae Vanbennekom

Ella Mae VanBennekom, age 84, of Marengo, passed away Saturday, June 24, 2023, at Rose Haven Nursing Home in Marengo. Visitation : 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Funeral service: 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 30, 2023, at First Presbyterian Church Marengo, with Pastor Anni Thorn officiating. Burial will be in the Marengo Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to Meals on Wheels.

Ella Mae is survived by her daughter Lynda (Ken) Ingraham of Florida, her son Doug (Audra) VanBennekom of Marengo, five grandchildren Kylie (Bradley) Luers of Sigourney; Brittany VanBennekom and fiancé Kyle Coffman of South English; Lauren (Luis) Cardona of Florida; Devin Cote of Michigan and David Cote of Michigan; three great-grandchildren Hadley Coffman, Elise and Genevieve Cardona and baby Luers expected in December. Ella Mae was known as Grandma Elly by her numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; and her brother Harold “Sparky” Sparrowgrove.

Ella Mae Sparrowgrove was born July 14, 1938, the daughter of Earl “Archie” and Caroline “Minnie” Beard Sparrowgrove. She graduated from Marengo high school with the class of 1958. Ella Mae worked in production at Amana Refrigeration for many years. She loved to travel when she was able. When her son Doug was in the Coast Guard, she enjoyed traveling to Sault Ste. Marie and watching the ships go through the Soo Locks. Ella Mae faithfully watched Jeopardy, and the Iowa Hawkeye football games. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and cherished her visits and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.