Elizabeth Ellen Pressley, 85, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2018, after a long battle with diabetes and heart issues. Ellen was born outside of Taft on January 24, 1933 to parents Lela Gossett and William “Bill” Shedd. She was the older sister to Willene DeWitt (Cliff DeWitt) of Thomaston, Texas.
Ellen leaves behind her loving husband, Dan “Sonny” Pressley. Together, they had three daughters – Cheryl Pressley (Ann Best) of Houston, Texas, the late Karen Johnston (John Johnston) of Portland, Texas, and Kathy Stewart (Brian Bartos) of Boerne, Texas. The pride and joy of Dan and Ellen Pressley have been their five grandchildren – Clayton Johnston (Tara Johnston) of Corpus Christi, Texas, Jennifer Johnston of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Brandon Johnston of Portland, Texas, Tatiana Elizabeth (named after her grandmother), and Katya Stewart, both of Boerne, Texas.
Dan and Ellen grew up next door to each other in Taft – telling stories of rock fighting over property boundary lines in their early years and protecting childhood forts from each other, but their love story grew over the years to fulfill a 65 year marriage. Ellen graduated from Taft High School in 1952 and worked as a telephone operator until Dan returned from the Army. Ellen and Dan eloped on Christmas Eve, 1953.
Ellen soon became a full time wife and devoted mother. If Ellen was asked about her greatest accomplishment in life, it would be her five beloved grandchildren. Her world has centered around each one and was always her highest priority.
The Pressley Family would like to thank Trisun Assisted Living – “Pavilion” in Portland, for their dedication, love, and care for Ellen. It was important for our parents to remain together. The Pavilion, under the Directorship of Cheryl Longwell, has treated our family as their own.
A heartfelt thanks to all staff who tirelessly supported our parents during various continued illnesses. Dan’s last words to Ellen were, “Sweetheart, I’ve always loved you and always will. Our journey has been a long one…but it wasn’t long enough”.
May we all find that unconditional rare love in our lifetime. Visitation will be held Friday, November 16, 2018, 10:00 AM at Resthaven Funeral Home Chapel, 606 S. San Patricio St in Sinton, Texas 78387. Funeral services will follow, 11:00 AM, at the funeral home.
Burial will follow in Taft Memorial Park Cemetery, Taft. In lieu of flowers, Ellen’s family would appreciate donations made to American Diabetes Association for further research on a cure for diabetes or to a charity of your choice. Guestbook available on line at www.
resthavenfunerals.com. Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Sinton.
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