Elsie E. Prell

(Oct. 16, 1925 - Jan. 24, 2019)

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Elsie Prell put on her hat and golden slippers and went to dance for the angels Jan. 24, 2019, at the age of 93.

Elsie was born Oct. 16, 1925, the only child of Helen and John Dexter, in Newcastle. She grew up there, and married Glen A. Prell in January of 1947.

Blessed with six children, they lived in many towns across Wyoming and operated their own business in Riverton. Her husband worked the oil fields before moving to Powell in 1979.

Elsie was known around the state as the Hat Lady. Wearing her vast array of crazy hats, she danced with The Travelers and Old Time Fiddlers, entertaining across the Basin at nursing homes, Cassie’s restaurant, and the fair parade.

She helped raise her great-grandsons Devon and Glen Prell in Powell, and they would dance alongside her. She was a member of the VFW and the Eagles Auxiliary.

Elsie was a charitable woman who enriched the community with her happy demeanor; donating toys to schools and time to the yearly Christmas giveaway. She wanted the world to be a joyful place and left us with the quote, “only cry at the happy things.”

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, infant daughter Joanna Rae Prell, and grandchildren Jessie Moore and Jennifer Chase.

She is survived by children Glenda Moore, Spokane, Washington, Joy Johnson, Rapid City, South Dakota, Daniel Prell and Sandra Prell, both of Powell, and John (Diane) Prell, Indianapolis, Indiana. Also surviving her are eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and a multitude of friends she considered her grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for the spring. Memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 819, Powell, WY 82435.

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