Ellen Staley
August 30, 1959 — October 21, 2013
Ellen Jean entered the world on August 30, 1959 and left us for eternal peace and joy on October 21, 2013. Hers was a heroic journey and she---along with her smile--- touched the lives of many along the way. Ellen's love of flying led her to a career in the United States Air Force beginning with the ROTC program at Cornell University. During her training, she was chosen to become one of the Air Force's first female pilots; one of only 11 at that time. On June 12, 1979, Ellen was sent to Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi to experience her first Air Force jet ride. The Instructor Pilot for that initial flight became her husband two years later. Ellen and Vic Staley were married for 32 years. Ellen first flew KC 135's performing in-flight refueling of bombers and fighters, and then became an instructor pilot in T 37's. She enjoyed teaching and went on to train future IPs. She retired from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel. Upon her retirement, Ellen volunteered to be an instructor of religious studies at the Chapel at Randolph Air Force Base. Her civilian pilot activities included the operation and maintenance of a 1946 Piper Cub. She enjoyed her life with Vic in Seguin, TX and participated in many different community organizations and activities. Ellen set lofty goals and high expectations for herself as well as simple ones. In her own words and as we know, she achieved every one of them. Viewing will be at Schertz Funeral Home (www.schertzfuneralhome.com) on Thursday, October 24, 2013 from 5pm to 9pm. A Funeral Mass will take place at 11am on Friday, October 25, 2013 at Church of the Good Shepherd, Schertz (www.goodshepherdschertz.com) Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Fisher House Foundation, (www.fisherhouse.org) a temporary housing facility for families of wounded servicemen and women.
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