Elta Ruth Sandell, age 94 of Frisco, Texas passed away on October 23, 2024. She was born on January 19, 1930, in Pacific Junction, Iowa. Elta was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who will be profoundly missed by her family and friends. She will always be remembered as someone who never hesitated to step in and get the job done. Elta left the nest at an early age and married Paul Devers. Larry Eugene and Ronald Lee were born of that marriage. Elta worked two jobs to support her boys and this experience helped her to become the strong, independent woman that her family and friends knew. When she married Elman in 1950, they began a twenty-year adventure in the United States Air Force, living in places like England and Guam. Dorothy was born during their stay in England. During this time, she took care of her children and her duties as an Air Force wife. In addition, she worked as a beautician. Elta was always known for having her hair done stylishly every week and for her impeccable appearance. After the Air Force, Elta was the Executive Vice President of Operations of Insta/Com, Inc., a money transfer service for the trucking industry that she and Elman started. She made many friends during that time, and they continued to keep in touch with one another over the years. After retirement from Insta/Com in the 1980’s Elta put her hand to running several businesses. She enjoyed traveling and spending time with her children and grandchildren. In 1991 Elta bought her dream home. She loved to hold family dinners and Christmas parties in the beautiful surroundings. We all have fond memories of those get-togethers that served to keep our family connected. In her later years, Elta continued to be a loving and sweet person, always ready with a smile and a hug. She will be in our hearts forever. Elta is survived by her daughter Dorothy Nowlin and son-in-law Mike, Allen, Texas, grandchildren Larry Sandell, Jason Sandell, Samantha Whittaker, Ashley Martin, Veronica Mapp, Mike Nowlin II, Scott Nowlin; thirteen great grandchildren, four great great grandchildren, sister Dorothy Sahlstein and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband Elman, parents George and Florence Durkee and sons Larry and Ronald Sandell. The family wishes to thank the staff of Sunrise Senior Living of Frisco and Silverstone Hospice Care for their wonderful care of Elta in her final years. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 28th at 10:00 a.m. at Turrentine, Jackson, Morrow in Frisco, Texas, Pastor Milton Guttierrez officiating. The family will receive friends during a Visitation on Sunday, October 27th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. To convey condolences or to sign an online registry, please visit www.tjmfuneral.com.