Ellen Marie Kjeldgaard Mattox-Meisel

Ellen Marie Kjeldgaard Mattox-Meisel passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at the remarkable age of 100. She was surrounded by love and gratitude for a life well-lived.

Born on a farm in Defiance, Iowa, on July 17, 1924, to Peter Kjeldgaard and Viola Falk, Ellen cherished her Danish heritage, which she credited for her longevity. Quoting her sister Dixie, “We are Danes….Danes are strong”. After graduating with a nursing degree from Immanuel Nursing School in Omaha, Nebraska, she embarked on an adventure that would define her life. She rode a train from Nebraska to Central Florida and began her nursing career in Orlando, eventually leaving an indelible mark on the communities she served.

Ellen married T.L. “Bucky” Mattox in 1947, sharing a loving marriage until his passing in 1983. During those 36 years they made their home together in Orlando, Winter Park and Jacksonville before moving to Apopka in 1967. It was that time with Bucky that she was most busy with their church, children’s schooling, sports activities, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Ellen found love again with William Ray Meisel, whom she married in 1997 and shared 16 joyful years until his passing in 2013. Both Bucky and Bill were proud veterans, and Ellen devoted much of her later years to supporting the VFW Post in Apopka.

Ellen and Bucky moved to Apopka, Florida, in 1969, where she was a faithful parishioner of The Church of the Holy Spirit for 43 years. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, where she remained active in every Episcopal community she joined. In 2013, Ellen moved to John Knox Village in Orange City, Florida, living out her final years enjoying the senior activities and retirement lifestyle. By the time she finally settled in Orange City she had travelled the world, having visited all seven continents!

A lifelong basketball fan who once played in high school, Ellen never lost her love for the sport. She was also an enthusiastic supporter of Florida State University football, cheering on the Seminoles as two of her children graduated from FSU. Ellen was also well known and loved for her baking and cooking skills. Many family and friends enjoyed her homemade sausage gravy, spaghetti dinners, pies, and of course her delicious chocolate chip cookies which always seemed to be available whenever anyone stopped by.

Ellen is survived by her four children: L. Scott Mattox (Ginny) of Carlsbad, NM; Christine Mattox of Winchester, KY; Kathleen Coury (Bob) of Parkland, FL; and Susan Goddard of Jacksonville, FL. She was immensely proud of her 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish her memory.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Apopka, Florida. Ellen will be remembered for her strength, faith, and unwavering dedication to family, community, and service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to The Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit in Apopka or the Apopka VFW Post #10147 in Ellen's honor.