Ellen Marie Dudley

Family and Friends who wish to view Ellen’s photo album should click on the Tribute Wall tab above.

Waterloo- Ellen M. Dudley (Straavaldsen) was a beautiful artist angel and she took flight on Tuesday, 2-22-22 (the angel numbers). She was born in Madison, Wis., to Donald and Isabelle Dudley.

Ellen graduated from the first graduating class of LaFollette High School and Madison College. She went on to become a freelance artist for multiple fashion stores in the Madison area and she also worked for the UW-Madison, Do-It (Division of Information Technology) as a senior graphic artist. Ellen was also a technical scientific illustrator for many university professors, where she would draw graphics for botany and anthropology textbooks. She retired from the UW-Madison after 33 years of service.  

Ellen would light up the room everywhere that she went with her grace, class, and beauty. Now the stars and moon will shine brighter with her presence. When you see a twinkle in the stars, just smile and know she is looking down on you. Ellen was wise with wisdom and said that I will always be with you and you will never walk alone. In 20 days, our world changed forever. Those who loved her never were given a warning or a clue of what was coming her way. People knew Ellen by her “Art Biz” license plate and this will forever be remembered.

Equality and love for all had always been the utmost important thing in Ellen’s life. She had a heart of gold and was a natural beauty inside and out. Her elegance and coordination in clothing would never go unnoticed.

From the words of Terry, “Ellen, with your love my famous artist, you will inspire me every day. You went to Woodstock, and I went to Nam. Even though we took different paths back then, creativity brought us together for our lifetime. Your spirit will forever be in my heart.”

Ellen is survived by her significant other and best friend, Terry Straavaldsen; sisters, Jane (Mike), Lynn, and Jean (Jeff); brother, Tom (Pam); sister-in-law, Vicki (John); and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends who she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Bev Straavaldsen; and brother-in-law, Jim Neis.

Per Ellen’s wishes, no services will be held. Memorials may be made to Madison College Foundation, indicating Ellen Dudley's legacy or Rainbow Hospice for their care and compassion during Ellen’s brief stay.

A special thank you to all her cabin family at Black Oak Lake and surrounding area. The cabin and lake was her most magical place to be in the whole world, piloting her pontoon boat and calling out to her favorite loon “lulu.”  

The song, “Pontoon,” by Little Big Town would often fill our cabin just before a pontoon ride. Calm waters await us darling. Love Always, Terry.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420