Ellen Louise Sperling

Ellen Louise (Cline) Sperling, age 84, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2024, at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals with her family at her side as she moved to eternal life to be with her Savior and Lord. Ellen survived heart failure and breast cancer to remain with her family and friends, but ultimately succumbed to lung failure from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Ellen was born on February 12, 1940, in Ames, Iowa to Lewis and Grace (Shaw) Cline. She moved with her family to Madison, Wisconsin as a child and attended West High School where she achieved honors, including induction in the National Honor Society, and was the senior class prom queen. Ellen graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin. She majored in education and realized her dream when she became an elementary teacher in the Madison Metropolitan School District. She later earned her certification in Early Childhood Education at Normandale College in Bloomington, Minnesota. 

Ellen met her husband, Keith Sperling, while attending classes at the University of Wisconsin. They married shortly after graduation and enjoyed 62 years together as husband and wife. Ellen and Keith created a lifetime of cherished memories with family and dear friends. 

Ellen is survived by her husband, Keith, daughters Ginny (Angel) Mora, Sheryl (Jim) Stathas, and son, Dan Sperling, who came to them from Seoul, South Korea. Ellen had 6 grandchildren who were a source of great joy in her life: C.J. (Rebecca) Stathas, Kimberly Stathas, Kelly Mora, Alexandria Stathas, Alice Sperling and Alejandro Mora. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Charles Cline (Katrina Hughes), and nephew Jim Okray. She is survived by her sister Cathy Okray, niece Elizabeth Okray and nephew Gregg (Carrie) Cline.

Ellen led an active life. She was a competitive speed ice skater and club figure skater. As a young woman she participated in Madison League golf and volleyball, as well as recreational tap dancing. Ellen volunteered in many organizations including Attic Angel Association for 30 years, PEO, the University of Wisconsin Hospital Women's Auxiliary while her husband was on the medical school faculty, and the Gamma Phi Beta Board while her daughters were active in the campus sorority. 

Church has been a cornerstone of Ellen’s life. She served as Deacon at both the Oak Grove Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, Minnesota and the Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wisconsin. Ellen enjoyed genealogy and through that work discovered she is a Daughter of the American Revolution as a direct descendant of Thomas Nelson, Jr, who was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

Ellen has had a life well lived as a servant of God and has served to help others grow in their knowledge and in their life. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew her and who are thankful for her life with us. One of Ellen’s greatest gifts was her ability to see the good in people and love them as they are.

To honor Ellen’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service. Her family invites you to privately celebrate Ellen in your own ways. She is with us all in spirit and loved every person who was a part of her beautiful life. 

Gifts in Ellen’s memory may be made payable to UW Foundation with a note “tribute in memory of Ellen Sperling” to the School of Education Annual Fund #112301110. Mail to UW Foundation, US Bank Lockbox, Box 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807 or online at supportuw.org/giveto/tribute. Gifts may also be made to Attic Angel Association with a note “tribute in memory of Ellen Sperling” to 640 Junction Road, Madison, WI 53717, or online at http://weblink.donorperfect.com/atticangeldonate

Please share your memories of Ellen by posting in her Guestbook.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Road, Madison

(608) 238-3434