Ella Mae Supplee

July 28, 1924 - September 22, 2021

POWAY, CA — It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our beloved mother, Ella Mae Supplee. She died peacefully on September 22, 2021 at the age of 97, at The Views Senior Assisted Living in Poway.

Ella Mae was born to Ida and Henry Schrader in Phoenix Arizona on July 28, 1924. A smart and conscientious student, she attended secretary school where she learned shorthand and worked at the Superior Court in Phoenix as the judges’ secretary. During World War II, she saved her money to pay for flight school with the hope of contributing to the war effort as a Women Airforce Service Pilot (WASP). The war ended before she could enlist, but she did enjoy many flying adventures with her girlfriend, surprising airport personnel when two women pilots flew in.

Ella Mae moved to San Diego where she married Ben Supplee, raised her 3 daughters, and developed a career in real estate, building apartment complexes throughout San Diego County. She retired to Lake Cuyamaca where she relished the beauty and quiet of mountain life. There she volunteered with the Cuyamaca F.D. Fire Bells and attended the Methodist Church. She traveled abroad, but she especially loved traveling in her fifth wheel R.V with her partner of many years, Jim Moyers, working as campground hosts.

Ella Mae’s deepest passion was her family and she delighted when her family joined her in her mountain home for the holidays to eat her home-cooked meals and her wonderful pies. She was happiest when she was rocking a baby and she gave the best hugs. She was the center of the family and she will be dearly missed.

Ella Mae is survived by her daughters and their husbands, Patricia and David Walter, Michele and Rod Thorp, and Rebecca Supplee, and her grandchildren, Lori Walter, Stacey Drew, Valerie Thorp, Carolyn Willis, Jayson Thorp, Selena Friedman, and Marielle Friedman, and greatgrandson, Boaz Willis.

Predeceased by her parents, Ida and Henry Schrader and sister Wilma Garner.

At her request, no service is scheduled. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Foundation of America at https://alzfdn.org/ support-us/donate/.

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