Eleanor “Ellie” W. Threlkel
June 30th, 1937 – February 14th, 2026
Eleanor “Ellie” Walker Threlkel, 88, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 14, surrounded by her family. She was born to Andrew and Gertrude Walker in Kohala, Hawaii and grew up on the Hamukua Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii, where her father was the manager of sugar plantations.
Ellie entered eighth grade at Annie Wright School in Tacoma, Washington. Following graduation, she entered Vanderbilt University, in Nashville, TN where she earned a Bachelor degree in Sociology, with a minor in English, and obtained a teaching certificate. During her time at Vanderbilt, she was a member of AOII Fraternity and a member of the Vanderbilt Choir. There she met her future husband, Jim Threlkel and they were the first couple to be married in Benton Chapel on the Vanderbilt University campus.
While Jim was in medical school Ellie supported the family as a bank teller and second grade teacher. They moved to Turner AFB in Albany, GA when Jim joined the U.S. Air Force and served as a surgeon from 1965-1967. Following Jim’s service, they returned to Vanderbilt where he completed his surgical residency. During their time in Nashville and Albany, they had three daughters. Ellie became a full-time mother to her girls as Jim spent long hours working in the hospital. She was always a lady of strong faith and her family and faith were always the first and foremost in her life.
In 1972, they moved to Winter Haven where Jim began his surgical practice with the Gessler Clinic. And as Ellie established her mark in Winter Haven where she became well-known in the community for her fashion and her HATS!
Ellie became involved in community activities, with a primary interest in youth activities, serving as a Girl Scout leader while her daughters were participating. She served on many boards of directors, including Turnaround, “Just Say No” and PRIDE (Parent Resources Information on Drug Education) of Polk County which focused on anti-drug abuse initiatives and education. Ellie also served on boards, and as board chair of Good Shepherd Hospice and Florida Presbyterian Homes. She was an active participant on the Winter Haven Police and Fire Pension boards, the Heartland Crime Stoppers board, and many city and civic committees. She served as a Ruling Elder of First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven and chaired various church committees. The church recognized Ellie and Jim as Outstanding Older Adults for their committed service.
Ellie treasured her membership in the Garden Club of Winter Haven, where she served as a member, president and was a member of distinction. She was a charter member of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven. Ellie was awarded the Winter Haven Banker’s Cup as “Woman of the Year” in 1984. Ellie was a Winter Haven City Commissioner from 1988 to
1996, where she served as Mayor ProTem two years, and as Mayor for three years. She was a member of the Ridge League of Cities and was a strong advocate for Winter Haven and the Central Florida ridge during interactions with members of the Florida legislature. During this time, Ellie was appointed to the state’s Juvenile Justice Commission. In 1996, Ellie was the first elected official to receive the Ridge League of Cities’ Nettie B. Draughon Award for her “eight years of service to the League as a public official.” In 1997, she was recognized with the Girls Inc. Julie Pope “She Knows Where She’s Going” award and in 2007 the Community Service Award by the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven.
A true sports enthusiast, Ellie loved watching baseball, football, basketball, and horse racing. She enjoyed traveling with her family, whether on vacation or to significant sporting events or beach time! During her time as Mayor and Commissioner, she played a pivotal role in bringing the Cleveland Indians to Winter Haven for Spring Training, resulting in more than a decade of spring baseball at Chain O’ Lakes Stadium.
Ellie was predeceased by her adored daughter, Libby Threlkel Ray, her parents, three brothers, and her brother-in-law. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Jim Threlkel, daughters Kit and Peggy of Winter Haven, grandson Kasey, of Odessa, Florida, her son-in-love Andy Ray and his wife Sherie, of Winter Haven, and sister-in-love, Mimi Threlkel, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. She is also survived by nieces and nephews and cherished friends.
In lieu of flowers, Ellie requested donations be made to Girls Inc. of Winter Haven, P.O. Box 7285, Winter Haven, FL, 33883-7285; Libby Threlkel Ray scholarship at Polk Education Foundation, 1530 Shumate Dr., Bartow, FL, 33830; or First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, 637 6th Street NW, Winter Haven, FL, 33881.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Oak Ridge Funeral Care, located at 2425 Havendale Blvd. NW, Winter Haven. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Winter Haven, located at 637 6th Street NW, Winter Haven.
