Ellen DeBell

Ellen Rockwell DeBell of Broomfield, Colorado, passed away from natural causes in her sleep at Greenridge Place in Westminster on the evening of October 30, in the presence of family and friends. She is survived by her husband James DeBell II, her children James III, Lynnette, and Michelle DeBell, her son-in-law Michael Grier, her grandchildren Amanda and Marisa DeBell and Joycelin and August Grier, her sister Joan Wray, niece Roseanna Wray, nephew Darryl Wray and many grand nieces and nephews in Indiana.

Born March 16, 1930 in Tipton, Indiana, to Agnes and Robert Rockwell. Ellen was awarded a scholarship to Earlham College, where she graduated with a degree in English in 1952. She moved to Denver with friends shortly thereafter and began teaching at Westminster High School, where she met fellow teacher James DeBell. They married in September of 1956, and Michelle, their first child, was born in July, 1957. Ellen retired in 1987 after a 30-year career as a junior and senior high school teacher, sharing her love of life, poetry and literature with generations of students.

Ellen enjoyed camping and fishing, piano and choir, needlework, knitting and other art. She really enjoyed playing board games and cards, and doing crossword puzzles and logic puzzles and jigsaw puzzles. She loved to read. She really loved to read. 

Ellen belonged to the North Jeffco Notables Choir for several years and only left after she could no longer drive. She also established a monthly retired teachers dinner night which was well attended and appreciated. 

Ellen dedicated a great deal of her time and energy to her family, putting her children and husband above herself and caring for her in-laws in their final years.

Throughout her life, Ellen was funny and ornery, kind, generous and empathetic. She touched more lives than she ever realized and left the world a kinder and better place than she found it. She was a life long Lutheran and a soft touch and gave to many charities. In lieu of flowers, should you like to make a donation in her name, please make it to your favorite charity.

Much love to all.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen DeBell, please visit our floral store.