Ellen Eileen Wolterman

Ellen E. Wolterman, 75, of Cherokee, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 14, 2026 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born on December 10, 1950 in Cherokee to Orville and Shirley (Kramer) Chinn, Ellen graduated from Washington High School in 1969. She began her career caring for children at a local daycare, which inspired her to open her own in-home daycare. The many children and families she nurtured over the years became an extension of her own family, and she remained in touch with them long after her retirement in 2011.

Ellen married Ron Wolterman on June 19, 1981, and together they raised their four children, Shirlene, Cory, Jason, and Jennifer. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who cherished every moment with her family. Ellen loved tending her garden, working on puzzles, reading, and gathering loved ones for cards and games. A compassionate listener with a gift for wisdom and sound advice, she faced life with strength, determination, and generosity. She stood faithfully beside Ron and Cory during countless projects, never hesitating to roll up her sleeves and help. She looked forward to her visits to Arizona, where she treasured time with her daughter Shirlene and her family, and she enjoyed staying informed by watching Fox News.

Above all, Ellen will be remembered for her loving heart, quiet resilience, and the deep devotion she showed to her family and all those she cared for.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Orville Chinn and Shirley Griffin, her husband Ron in 2021, her sister Sue Wright, brother-in-law David Wolterman, and mother-in-law and father-in-law Dorothy and Lawrence Tranter.

Ellen is lovingly remembered by her children, Shirlene (Matt) Smearman of Phoenix, Arizona, Cory (Ann) Wolterman of Cherokee, Iowa, Jake (Jewel) Wolterman of Locust Grove, Virginia, and Jennifer (Brian) Wymer of Spirit Lake, Iowa; her 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with one more expected soon; her brothers Bill (Gloria) Brady of Cherokee, Larry (Louise) Chinn of Humboldt, and Mike Chinn of Cherokee; her sister Kathy Chinn of Alta; her sister-in-law Alice Wolterman of Carroll; and many nieces, nephews, and a very special extended family.