Ella June Borland

Ella June Borland, 97, passed away on April 28, 2026, at Oakwood Health Services. She was born June 3, 1928, in Stanley, Iowa, to Walter and Glea Jellings, and was raised on a farm in Maynard, Iowa. She would have celebrated her 98th birthday this June.

Ella June was a proud "Maynard girl," as her husband Bill affectionately called her. She grew up on a farm during the Great Depression, where early life shaped her strength, resilience, and deep appreciation for family, faith, and hard work.

She often shared stories of her childhood on the farm and the lessons learned during those formative years. Those experiences stayed with her throughout her life and helped define her steady and determined character.

Ella June met her husband, Bill Borland, during World War II when he was home on leave from the U.S. Navy. After a chance meeting involving a flat tire and a friend's assistance, Bill escorted her home. At her doorstep, she surprised him by throwing her arms around him and kissing him before going inside. She later said she believed the Lord had pushed them together.

Ella June and Bill were married and built their life together on faith, love, and family. In 1969, they moved from Oelwein, Iowa, to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, where they raised their family and remained for the rest of their lives. Their marriage was rooted in shared Christian faith and devotion to one another and their children.

She devoted her life to her home and family, finding great joy in raising their six children. She would often add with a smile that it was "most of the time," reflecting her humor and honesty. Her home was a place of warmth, care, and togetherness.

Ella June was also active in her church community, where she enjoyed participating in the church choir (often singing solos) and volunteering with Meals on Wheels. Her service reflected her steady faith and her desire to care for others in practical and meaningful ways.

She was especially known for her homemade spaghetti dinners, always served with meatballs and said to be even be better the next day. Meals around her table became a cherished tradition and a gathering place for family.

As the family grew, she took great joy in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Always going to ball games and being present. Ella and Bill made a lifelong effort to keep their family connected and close, encouraging unity and care across generations.

Faith was central to Ella June's life. She was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and lived her faith daily through love, service, and prayer. Ella prayed faithfully for their family every day, asking God to guide and protect each of them.

She is remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life reflected faith, strength, and devotion to family. Her legacy is one of perseverance, humility, and unwavering love.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Ray Borland; her parents, Walter and Glea Jellings; her sister, Bonnie Smith; and her granddaughter, Tracey McIntosh.

She is survived by her children: Jerry Borland; Skip (Nancy) Borland; Debbie (Craig) McIntosh; Jill (Alvin) Benning; Lorrie Xan (Tim) Bernloehr; and KrisTina (Butch) Bethke; along with 18 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren

Funeral services will be held on May 11, 2026, at Landmark Christian Church, 4140 126th Street, Chippewa Falls, WI. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.