Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Grace Syler, age 88, of Strafford, passed into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on November 21, 2022, at the Castlewood Memory Center in Nixa, MO. Ellie was born to Casper and Elsie Mae (Hale) Owens on December 6, 1933, in Rockcastle County, KY. She was united in marriage to CW Syler on August 20, 1953, in Lebanon, IN. The couple shared 55 years of marriage before CW’s untimely passing in 2008. They were blessed with two children.

Ellie earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Evangel University in 1977. In 1978, she earned a Master of Science degree from Southwest Missouri State University. She earned her Doctor of Education degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1990. From 1978-1982, Ellie served as Assistant to the Dean of Students at Evangel University. In 1982, she established the Center for Effective Learning at Evangel University and served as Director until 1998. From 1982-2000, Ellie served as an assistant professor and associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Evangel University. She has served as professor emeritus since her retirement in 2000. Ellie also served as a field reader for the United States Department of Education, Office of Postsecondary Education, from 1990-2000. During her long tenure at Evangel University, Ellie earned many awards and recognitions, most notably: Certified Appreciation National Association of Developmental Education, 1996; Outstanding Educator Award, 1997; Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, 1998; and the Evangel University Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award, 2001. Ellie was also currently licensed as an Assemblies of God minister. For many years, Ellie served as the Director of Christian Education at the First Assembly of God in Strafford, MO, where she was a long-time faithful member.

While Ellie took immense pride in her career, she took even more pride in her family. She derived immeasurable joy from her role as wife, mother, and grandmother. Her hobbies and interests included writing, sewing, quilting, embroidering, gardening, and working in her yard. She continued doing all of her own yard work and gardening well into her 70s. She even authored a book entitled, Good Stuff, Maynard! Successful Study Skills for Serious Students. She was a long-time member of the Missouri Writer’s Guild, the Ozarks Writers League, and the Christian Writers Club.

Ellie was preceded in death by her parents, Casper and Elsie Owens; husband, CW Syler; sister, Ersual Owens; brother-in-law, Robert Smith; brother-in-law, Richard Brown. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, daughter, two sisters, one brother and sister-in-law, three granddaughters, two great granddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation for Dr. Eleanor “Ellie” Grace Syler will be held from 7:00-8:30 pm on Friday, December 2, 2022, at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield (3506 N. National Ave). A funeral service, officiated by Rev. K.C. Harryman and Rev. Obie Harrup, will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 10:00 am, at the First Assembly of God in Strafford (1113 US Rt 66). Following the funeral, Ellie will be laid to rest next to her husband at Dishman Cemetery near Strafford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ellie’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association of Springfield. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and church.