Ellen Ann (Betts) McGee, 74, of Cheyenne, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Davis Hospice Center in Cheyenne on Oct. 11.

She was born in Lost Nation, Iowa, on Jan 26, 1944, to Orville and Muriel Betts. A proud graduate of Lost Nation High School, Ellen played trombone in the school band and was once chosen to suit up and play on the basketball team. After high school, she attended beauty school and worked as a beautician.

Ellen married Michl Thomas McGee on Feb. 16, 1963. They were married 55 years and had 14 children. The couple lived in Davenport, Iowa; Iowa City, Iowa; and Clinton, Iowa, before moving to Cheyenne in 1983.

In 1991, Ellen drew upon her experience from a lifetime of adoption and found her calling as an adoption specialist for the Wyoming Children’s Society where she worked until 2009, helping place 1,240 children with their “forever families.” In addition to having a large family, Ellen and Michl fostered a number of children and hosted foreign exchange students.

Ellen also worked at the Owl Inn from 1992-1999, which was owned by her family, giving her the opportunity to work more closely with her sons. Her caring and loving nature extended to the employees and customers, who became another family to feed, care for and love.

Ellen loved music and enjoyed singing with the church praise team and in the choir at Grace United Methodist Church. She also loved to bake and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her husband, Michl, and 14 children: Scott (Kim), Todd (Dawn), Doug (Anne), Tom, Anne (Doug), Erin (Michael), Adam, Dana (Patty), Katy, Matthew, Sara, Shannon (Gary), Michl and Seth; along with 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; sisters, Santha and Janet; brother, Neal; brother-in-law, Richard; sister-in-law, Cathi; and countless family and friends.

Family and friends who wish may send flowers or contribute to the Wyoming Children’s Society.

A time of remembrance with family is planned for Sunday, Oct. 14 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Schrader Reception Center in Schrader, Aragon and Jacoby Funeral Home, 2222 Russell Ave.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 15 at First United Methodist Church, 108 E 18th St. in Cheyenne.

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