Ellen "Margie" Sears, age 82 of Grinnell, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at her home in Grinnell. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, May 4, 2020 at the Smith Funeral Home with Pastor Matt Oleson officiating. Those attending the service will be required to follow CDC COVID-19 guidelines in practicing social distancing and are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. Memorials may be designated to the Newburg-Chester Church and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, Iowa 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared online with the family at www.smithfh.com. Ellen Margie Stevens was born the daughter of Lyle and Erma (Moser) Stevens on April 21, 1938 in Pine River, Minnesota. She was raised in Pine River, Minnesota and later in Long Beach, California, where she graduated from Jordan High School with the class of 1956. Margie raised her family in Fountain Valley, California for 23 years. She worked as a nurse's aid for several years and later as a receptionist at a hair salon. Margie was united in marriage to Paul Sears on July 24, 1971 in Long Beach, California. The couple retired to Washington state and lived on a beautiful acreage that brought them much peace and tranquility. They moved to Grinnell in 2008 and resided at Seeland Park in Grinnell. They were faithful members of the Newburg-Chester Church and Margie was active in women's fellowship at the church. Margie's faith and family were most important to her. She was an excellent cook who loved to bake and provide feasts for her family to enjoy. Her enjoyments were volunteering for the food bank, having company over, Sunday lunches with her family, and the companionship of her pets she dearly loved. She will be remembered for her kindness, her strong faith in the Lord, and the love of her family. Margie is survived by her husband of 47 years, Paul Sears of Grinnell; her son, Jeffrey Hennesay of Grinnell; three granddaughters, Brandi Hennesay of Texas, Brandi Sisner of Fresno, California, and Susan (Mike) Ryberg of Pleasanton, California; one grandson, Brandon Waters of Fresno, California; one great granddaughter, Reyna Hennesay of Texas; step grandchildren, Eric Johnson and Chelsea Andretta; and several beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Sandra Ellen Hennesay; and her brother, James Stevens.