Eleanor Outerson Vander Els, 99, passed away on Feb. 12, 2012, at The Haven in Pineville, N.C.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at Jones Funeral Home, Swansboro with Father Donald Baribeau officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mildred Catholic Church Cemetery.

She was born on Oct. 4, 1912, to James and Kathryn Outerson in Washington Heights, N.Y. She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband, Garrett Vander Els; and step-son Gary Vander Els.

Ellie worked for the New York Telephone Company prior to joining the Navy in 1944, where she received her private pilot certificate and shuttled planes to various bases throughout the United States during WWII. She graduated from Columbia University Nursing School as an RN and later became head nurse of the neo-natal unit. Ellie eventually moved back to her home in Nutley, N.J., where she became a nurse in the public school system. It was here where she met and married her husband who was a grade school principal. Upon retirement they moved to Emerald Isle, where Garrett had previously been stationed during the war (Salter Path). Ellie enjoyed gardening, bridge and her animals, especially her Irish Setters. She was a member of St. Mildred's Catholic Church.

Ellie is survived by her stepson, Wallace Vander Els (Karen) of Charlotte; daughter-in-law, Linda Vander Els of Hampton Falls, N.H.; six grandchildren, Wendy Kaye (Brian) of Cape Neddick, Maine, Jonathan Vander Els (Stephanie) of Hampton Falls, N.H., Amy Vander Els of Budapest, Hungary, Chase Vander Els (Irene) of Decatur, Ga., Melanie Davis (Adam) of Wesley Chapel, and Matthew Vander Els (Jennifer) of Rock Hill, S.C.; seven great-grandchildren and many good friends.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Hospice of Charlotte at 1420 East Seventh St., Charlotte, N.C. 28204 or St. Mildred's Catholic Church at 616 East Sabiston Dr., Swansboro, N.C. 28584.

Private electronic condolences may be left for the family at jonesfh.org