Ellen Maxine Slack's Obituary
Ellen Maxine Slack (Drew) died at her home on November 24, 2021 after a long battle with
COPD and multiple pulmonary embolisms. Ellen was born on August 11, 1940 in Waterloo,
Indiana to Simeon Price Drew and Keturah Elizabeth Drew (Reinoehl). After graduating from
High School in Attica, Indiana Ellen studied at the Lafayette School of Nursing and became a
Registered Nurse. She worked off and on in the nursing field when she wasn’t home with her
young children. Ellen loved to hunt for morel mushrooms in the woods of the Midwest, fish in
freshwater lakes, gather rocks at the beaches in California, play bingo, play poker and card
games; bake and make candy for her family. She and her husband Con were excellent square
and swing dance partners and used to “clear the dance floor” when out on dates. In later
years, being with family and holding the newest babies brought her joy.
Ellen was preceded in death by her son, Steven Michael Shirk, her brother Leon Allen Drew and
her parents. She is survived by her husband, Con, her daughters Linda (Howard) Gale, Penney
(Greg) Veca, son William Shirk and daughter-in-law Ailyn Shirk; grandchildren Jarod (Sarah)
Reyes, Jason (Katy) Shirk, Sarah (Rich) Payne, Becky (Julian) Davis, Britni, Kristina and Cody
Shirk, Elijah Shirk, Stephanie and Nicole Shirk, Lawrence and Timothy Shirk, Elias and Nathaniel
Veca and nine great-grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate Ellen’s life was held at her home on December 5th.
For and questions or condolences you can email to [email protected] and either
Linda or Penney will respond.
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