Daylene Ellis

Daylene Swanson Ellis, a loving mother, grandmother, and cherished friend to so many, passed away unexpectedly on March 1, 2026 at the age of 93 following a sudden onset of pancreatitis. Born on October 4, 1932 in Creston, Iowa, she was the only child of Day and Mildred Livingston Swanson. Her name was uniquely created from her father’s first name and her grandfather’s last name. Several years later, she welcomed a stepfather, Lee Onstot, and two protective stepbrothers, Bob and Jerry Onstot, into her family. The family moved to Norwalk, Iowa when she was ten.

Daylene graduated from Norwalk High School in 1951 alongside her future husband, Larry Ellis. Their high school acquaintance, which began when Larry playfully heckled her while she played basketball, eventually blossomed into love. They portrayed a married couple in their senior class play, and two years later, on November 8, 1953, they married in Norwalk. Their union lasted 68 beautiful years. Together they raised three children, Kelly, Kim, and Kayla. Daylene worked in bookkeeping at Preferred Risk, Massey Ferguson, and a dental office. She and Larry enjoyed family time, camping, long motorcycle trips, vacations, church fellowship, card games, and nineteen winters spent in Pharr, Texas, where they formed many lasting friendships.

Daylene was known for her friendly, positive, smart, witty, humble, kind, and sincere nature. She created countless handmade gifts through years of cross-stitching, quilting, and knitting. She loved reading, socializing with friends over coffee, and playing competitive games including cards and Jokerboard. An enthusiastic user of technology, she embraced her cellphone, iPad, Kindle, smart watch, Facebook, and various smart home devices with delight. She was an active member of Norwalk Christian Church, the Norwalk Women’s Club, Red Hat, and P.E.O.

She is survived by her children Kelly (Tammy) Ellis of New Braunfels, Texas, Kim Ginkens of Norwalk, and Kayla Swift of Norwalk; six grandchildren, Merrille (Chris) Rallo, John (Courtney) Ellis, Logan (Risa) Ginkens, Jolyssa (Garett) Sterner, Danielle Swift, and Charles Lampkin; and eight great-grandchildren, Hayden and Landon Rallo, Connor and Parker Ellis, Grayson, Lux, and Beckett Ginkens, and Harper Sterner. She was preceded in death by her husband Larry, their infant daughter La Rae, her parents, her son-in-law Paul Swift, and many dear loved ones.