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Ellen Frances Schroeder, 76, of Elgin, passed away Oct. 10, 2023, in Bastrop County, a few weeks short of her 77th birthday. Ellen was born Oct. 29, 1946, to C.J. and Margaret Schroeder in Rock Valley, Iowa. After graduating from Rock Valley High School, Ellen earned a BA degree in English from Loyola University, Chicago, Illinois, in 1968. She also earned a master’s in education in 1970 from Loyola as well.
After her graduation in 1968, she was employed by the Chicago Public School District as a classroom teacher, teaching grades first through fourth. In 1973, she moved to Houston, where she worked for Harris County as a planner, and the American Society for Medical Technology as a research and development manager. In 1980, she moved to Austin, where she worked for the University of Houston (Office of Government Relations), and for the University of Texas (Petroleum Extension Center). In 1988, she was employed by the Texas Department of Rehabilitative Services (formerly, Texas Rehabilitation Commission), where she retired in 2010 as the director of program reporting and analysis.
Ellen was an animal lover. She was particularly fond of horses and dogs. She was a staunch supporter of the Bastrop Animal Shelter, and over the years adopted a number of dogs. She was also known to temporarily adopt stray dogs and find suitable homes for them, using her own adoption standards.
On their horse ranch in Bastrop County, she and Hubert bred, raised, trained and raced thoroughbred and American Quarter Horses, with some competing at the highest level of competition. She was also a talented equestrian.
Ellen was a compassionate and strong-willed person who had a radiant smile and infectious laugh. On occasions, she enjoyed a nice glass of chilled red wine. She was a special person and will be missed beyond measure.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, C.J. and Margaret Schroeder; and brother, Matthew Schroeder.
She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Hubert Bell, Jr.; sister, Sharon Donovan; brother, James (Mike) Schroeder and wife Karen; and a host of nieces, greatnieces and nephew, stepchildren, step grandchildren and step great grandchild.
A celebration of Ellen’s Life was held Saturday, Oct. 21, at 11 a.m. at Cook Walden Capital Parks Funeral Home.
In honor of Ellen, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one or more of her favorite charities, Friends of Bastrop County Animal Shelter in Bastrop, San Antonio Doberman Rescue in Devine or Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society in College Station.
