Ellen Rae McClain

Ellen Rae McClain passed away early morning on May 7, 2024 surrounded by family at Mercy One Medical Center. Private graveside services will be held Friday, May 10, 2024 at Clinton Lawn Cemetery followed by a celebration of Ellen’s life starting at 12:30PM at Legends private downstairs room. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting snellzornig.com. Snell-Zornig is assisting the family with arrangements. She was born Ellen Rae Gundelfinger on July 2, 1942 to Harry & Annabelle (Herrity) Gundelfinger in Clinton, IA. She attended Clinton schools and married William J. McClain on September 20, 1958. In her early years Ellen enjoyed outdoor activities including horseback riding (usually without a saddle). She continued to enjoy outdoor activities into her adulthood, including fishing, hunting and camping with her husband and family. She enjoyed bowling and card club as well. She was very creative and had a knack for decorating, continually creating a warm, inviting home for her family and friends. She had an open door and friends and family could drop by anytime and they did! She enjoyed travel and was always ready when an opportunity arose. She poured herself into her children and grandchildren, always meeting them where they were and never judged anyone! She had a special relationship with each of her grandchildren whether it was attending their activities, playing games, movie nights or weekly dinners. She made everyone feel loved and they enjoyed spending time at Gramma’s (Nana’s) house. She lived life to the fullest and will be missed greatly. Ellen started her career at Nielsen’s Clearing House, and then managed Aldi Food and ended her career at Comprehensive Rehab as a Billing Specialist She is survived by her four daughters, Billie Jo (Timothy) Horner, Barbara (Bob) Smith-Fout, Stephany (John) McKown, Stacey (Jason) Faur, 14 grandchildren: Amy (Ryan) Swartz, Paul (Renee) Horner, Mallory (Blake) Tinderholt, Melissa (Robert) Hummel, Kristin Smith, Jason (Nicole) Smith, Sierra (Jason) McClain-Geronzin, Samantha Everson, Emma Wulf, Maverick Wulf, Justin Faur, Jakob Faur, Ty Faur, Natalee Faur. 21 Great Grandchildren: Macy, Taylor & Griffin Swartz, Ethan, Avery, Mira & JJ Horner, Lincoln Tinderholt, Xavier & Myles Duster, Isabelle Hummel, Isaac, Solomon, Olivia & Matteo Smith, Annabelle, Charlotte & Madalyn Geronzin, Ella Iburg, Elijah Warner & Leia Faur. She was also survived by Ken Hall (brother-in-law). She was preceded in death by her husband, William, her brother William Gundelfinger, her sister Mary Hall, a granddaughter Rachel Bark and a son-in-law Terry Smith. Memorials may be made to JDRF (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation).

Ellen Rae McClain

July 2, 1942 - May 7, 2024