Lowis Ellene Mcdaniel

Lowis Ellene McDaniel, 90 of Abilene, passed away Monday, January 16, 2012 at Hendrick Medical Center. A service is scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday, January 21, 2012 at the University Church of Christ Family Room with burial to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery. A visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 pm at Piersall Benton Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut St.

Ellene McDaniel was born in Abilene, Texas on November 15, 1921 to Gilbert Lowe Jennings and Ellie Watson Jennings. Mrs. McDaniel was a life-long Abilenian, attending Abilene Christian Schools and Abilene Christian College before completing her degree in Home Economics at Texas State Women's College (now TWU) in Denton. Being Mrs. Leao McDaniel and loving mother to her three children were some of her most important accomplishments in this life. Ellene worked outside the home before the birth of her children, but then devoted her energy into nurturing her family. As the wife of a long-time minister of the gospel , Ellene worked with Leao in numerous roles. She was a cub scout leader as well as an active member of the University Church of Christ, where she was a long-time teacher of five year olds, writing and developing her own materials for both Sunday and Wednesday classes. Ellene worked at ACU with Leao until they both retired in 1986, when they developed a flourishing crafts business that filled most of the remainder of their years.

Surviving Ellene are her three children; Leon McDaniel and wife Diana of Kansas, Larry McDaniel of California, and Sharon McDaniel Fox and husband Brett of Abilene. She will also be lovingly remembered by her five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren as well as many extended family members and friends. Preceding Ellene in death were her parents and her loving husband and helpmate Leao McDaniel.

Donations may be made in honor of Mrs. McDaniel to Abilene Christian Schools, 2550 N. Judge Ely Blvd, Abilene, 79601 or The Women for ACU, ACU Box 29133, Abilene, 79699. Condolences can be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.