Ella Maye Nehls

Ella Maye Nehls, 87, of Aberdeen, SD, entered eternal rest on Friday, August 4, 2023, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, Aberdeen, SD.

Ella Maye Woolley was born December 15, 1935, in Bureau County, Illinois to Lester and Vivian (Stocking) Woolley. She spent her childhood years living in Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. Ella received her education and graduated from LaMoille, Illinois.

She worked in an orphanage in Iowa and later returned to Wisconsin to work on the family farm. This is where she met her first husband Dale Bengston and were united in marriage on September 9, 1956. From that union, two children were born: Teresa and Mark.

Ella Maye and Dale enjoyed camping, traveling, and square dancing with friends. They made new friends everywhere they traveled. While married to Dale, she worked at Mother Joseph Manor. After the passing of Dale, Ella Maye entered into marriage with Robert “Bobby” Nehls on June 19, 1992. She joined Bobby at his home in Claremont, SD, and enjoyed volunteering in different organizations in Claremont. She was a runner for Bobby at the Cenex Station and traveled all over the area for Cenex and Bobby.

Ella Maye and Bobby also enjoyed square dancing and volunteering in their surrounding community. After Bobby’s retirement, they took an active role in their membership in the Moose Lodge. It was not unusual for them to be on a road trip or just traveling around the country. Ella Maye overcame many health obstacles in her life with a brave attitude and true grit.

She is survived by her husband, Bobby Nehls; daughter, Teresa Tucker; sister, Ethel Marie (Jim) Leisz; stepson, Ronnie Nehls and family; stepdaughter Shelly (Paul) Steiner and family; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-law Shirley Syhre and Rose Tewksbury.

Ella Maye was preceded in death by her parents; first husband Dale Bengston; son, Mark Bengston; two brothers, LaVern Woolley and George Woolley; and an infant sister Beverly.

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