Millinocket and Waltham, Maine - Ella Mae (Kalel) Waltz, 89, passed away of natural causes at her home in Waltham, ME, on June 19, 2026. Ella was born in Bangor, December 3, 1936, the daughter of Thomas J. Kalel And Margaret E. Stubbs.

Ella was raised by her foster parents, Birdie and Bill Powers. She attended Penobscot Valley High School and was a senior class officer for the class of 1955. Following high school, she married Wilmot Wesley Waltz Jr. and they were married for 63 years, until his passing. Together they had five children, and her role as a stay-at-home mom was an instrumental part of their lives that shaped who they are today. Ella was considered a "second mom" by many and was loved unconditionally. She was a member of Ladies VFW Auxiliary, a long time member of Millinocket Baptist Church and most recently, The Eastbrook Baptist Church. She had a lifelong love for cats, gardening, and we can't forget - her love for Elvis!

She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Wesley Waltz Jr.; her brother, Linwood Kalel; and her sisters, Phoebe and Alice. Ella is survived by her daughters, Christine Cunard and her husband, Kris, of Waltham, Tina Reed and her husband, Tim, of Hampden, and Carrie Waltz of Virginia; sons, David Waltz of Hampden and James Waltz and his wife, Karen, of New Jersey; brothers, Joe and Monty; sisters, Hazel and Nancy, 13 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A graveside service celebrating Ella's life will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Millinocket Cemetery, Millinocket, ME, with Pastor Randy Wilbur. All are welcome to attend. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit bowersfuneral.com.