Memorial

Ellen was a fifth generation Cedar Rapidan, born at St. Lukes Hospital on September 28, 1931, the daughter of Corinne Coffman Kaupke and Mason Mills Kaupke.  Her brother, Edward Mason Kaupke, died tragically as the result of a car accident at age 20.  

Ellen was married to James Fowler Howrey (deceased) until 1984.  They had two daughters, Elizabeth (married to Greg Lederer) and Melissa (married to David Holman).  She is also survived by five grandchildren: Alexandra (Nicholas Carroll), Madeline Lederer, Emily, Andrew, and Charles Holman, and three great grandchildren, Theodore and Annemarie Carroll and Coral Litzinger.

Following graduation from Franklin High School, Ellen attended Ward-Belmont College in Nashville, where she was editor of the school weekly newspaper.  She then transferred to Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and completed book reviews for the Daily Northwestern news publication.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature.

Following graduation, Ellen was an early female pioneer in the newspaper industry, working as the Women’s Page Editor and later the Society Editor of the Cedar Rapids Gazette.  In addition to raising her daughters, she also managed the bookkeeping for the Cedar Rapids Galvanizing Company, a family business.  Ellen worked briefly as a realtor for Coldwell Banker/ Hedges Realty. 

At age 60 Ellen became an entrepreneur and opened “Ellen’s Of Course”, a women’s clothing boutique on Mt. Vernon Road.  This allowed her to focus on her life-long love of fashion, travel, and creative writing. She owned and operated the store for 10 years.  

Ellen was active in the community; in early years she was a Board Member of the Cedar Rapids chapter of the American Red Cross. She was also a member of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary Club, Cedar Rapids Garden Club, Cedar Rapids Country Club, and a Board Member of Regency South. 

During her active years as a member of the Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Ellen wrote two original puppet show scripts, including Santa Clause Superstar and The Littlest Angel.  She also played the lead role in several Junior League stage productions, including Pinocchio.  These roles led her to the Cedar Rapids Community Theatre where she played the female leads in Tribute and 40 Carats.  Combining her writing background and love of cooking, she co-published the first ever Junior League of Cedar Rapids Cookbook.  

In her early years she was fortunate enough to travel the world with her mother and in later years with her family and friends. Ellen had a particular affinity for Venice. She had a true eye for fashion and creative flower arranging.  She also loved entertaining and spending time and sharing laughs with her many close friends and family, who meant the world to her.

The family is thankful for the excellent healthcare Ellen received throughout the years, as a two-time breast cancer survivor and long-term heart patient. Despite facing serious medical conditions, Ellen’s relationship with her medical providers included friendship, humor, and often cookies.  The family would like to thank all those who assisted in her medical care at PCI, St. Luke’s Hospital, Mercy Hospital, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, and most recently Mercy Hospice. 

Donations in honor of Ellen can be made to Oakhill Cemetery Association, Trees Forever or Cedar Rapids Garden Club for post-derecho beautification.

Memorial Service to be held at  the Chapel of Memories on Thursday, July 22nd at 3:00 pm. Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.