Ellene "Ellie" M. Cleveland

Ellene (Ellie) Cleveland, 92, of Sandwich, IL passed away on September 7, 2025. Ellie was born on August 30, 1933 in Sandwich, IL to Emery and Margaret (Seitzinger) Strode.

Ellie was extremely proud of her three grandsons bragging about them all the time.

She was the ultimate tomboy who would rather be outside gardening or doing yard work instead of housework. Her dedication to gardening got two of her grandsons into gardening. She spent hours canning and freezing the fruits of her labors.

She made sure to call everyone on their birthday singing Happy Birthday to them (even after she was in the nursing home).

She always stayed connected to her family, keeping up on what everyone was doing. She called them after bad storms to make sure everybody and everything was OK.

She watched over the last three houses on Needham Rd with her binoculars making sure nothing was out of place and everyone was safe.

She was proud to be involved with Girl Scouts. She was a troop leader from Brownies to Senior level. She lead the area cookie drive. For many years her basement was full of cookies waiting to picked up and delivered. Much to the frustration of her children because they weren’t for them. She was on the Fox Valley Girl Scout Board for many years in charge of the camps. She loved teaching camping and outdoor skills. Her nickname was Pockets because she wore bib overalls so she had enough pockets to carry matches, first-aid supplies and especially her trusted pocket knife, which she always had with her even after her Scouting years.

She coached girls softball, served on the Community Chest and the United Way.

Mostly she was proud to be “A Stubborn Old German Woman” and she let everyone know it.

Ellie is survived by 4 children, Hugh Edward Kline Jr. of Sandwich, IL, Joanne (Carl) Johnson of Plano, IL, Jerry Cleveland of Leland, IL and David (Julie) Cleveland of Sandwich, IL; A Daughter-in-law, Kathie Cleveland of Yorkville, IL; 1 Brother, Charles Strode; 3 grandchildren, Jeremy (Bobbi) Johnson, Joshua (Hannah) Cleveland and Alex (Rinaldo Zepeda Jr.); As well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; Her husband, Gerald Cleveland; A sister, Charlene Montgomery; A sister-in-law, Shirley Strode; And a brother-in-law, Charles Montgomery.

In lieu of flowers you may make donations to the Kendall County Food Pantry or Open Door in Sandwich.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at Beverage Family Funeral Home, 104 Terry St. Sandwich, IL 60548. A private family graveside service will take place afterwards at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Sandwich, IL. Arrangements were entrusted to Beverage Family Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.beveragefamilyfh.com