Eleanor Groth

Eleanor Groth, affectionately known as Ellie, was born on April 11, 1933, in Shelby, Iowa. Throughout her life, she displayed a distinctive blend of creativity, kindness, and dedication that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her early years were marked by a playful imagination, most memorably shown in her devoted companionship with her pet skunk, Sammy, whom she dressed in doll clothes and took for rides in a buggy. She went on to study at the University of Iowa before beginning a varied career that included working as a receptionist for Massey Ferguson in Des Moines and later serving as a perfume model, where her grace and poise brought elegance to her role.

Beyond her professional life, Ellie held deep passions for fashion, community service, and hospitality. She made meaningful contributions through the Welcome Wagon program in Fort Madison, Iowa, where she warmly welcomed newcomers and embodied a genuine spirit of neighborliness.

Ellie is lovingly remembered by her family. She is survived by her devoted son, Steven C. Foulke, and his wife Cynthia of Sarasota, Florida and Unionville, Missouri; her grandchildren Stephanie VanVleet and her husband Brandon, Christopher Foulke and his wife Jessica, Alayna Foulke and her fiancé Clay Kern; and her great-grandchildren Mason, Presley, and Harper Van Vleet, who brought her great joy in her later years. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Beverly Groth.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip Groth, and brother-in-law, David A. Groth; her parents, Frank and Eola (Borland) Wunder; her parents-in-law, Irling and Lucille Groth; and her brothers Frank Jr., Robert Wunder, and her twin brother Eldon Wunder.