HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ELLIE THRELKEL

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ELLIE THRELKEL

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 41 (Wednesday, March 4, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E186-E187] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ELLIE THRELKEL ______ HON. SCOTT FRANKLIN of florida in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 4, 2026 Mr. SCOTT FRANKLIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a remarkable public servant from Winter Haven, Florida, Ms. Ellie Threlkel, who passed away in February 2026 at the age of 88. Ellie Threlkel was more than a former mayor and city commissioner. She was a pillar of the Winter Haven community and a woman who truly embodied servant leadership. Ellie served on the Winter Haven City Commission from 1988 to 1996 and was appoInted mayor from 1991 to 1994. During her time in office, she demonstrated steady leadership and a deep commitment to the people she served. Her husband of 68 years, Dr. Jim Threlkel, once said that Ellie was ``the city employees' commissioner and mayor.'' They knew she genuinely cared about them. Her impact on Winter Haven is still felt today, particularly in the world of sports and economic development. When the Boston Red Sox left spring training in Winter Haven, it was a significant blow to the local economy. Ellie refused to let that chapter close without a fight. Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, she worked tirelessly to bring Major League Baseball's Cleveland Indians--now the Cleveland Guardians--to Chain of Lakes Park for spring training. From 1993 through 2008, that partnership brought jobs, visitor's, and pride to our community. Each year, Ellie proudly threw out the first pitch, often wearing her now famous gold sequined Cleveland baseball cap--just one piece of her legendary hat collection that earned her the affectionate nickname, ``The Hat Lady,'' But Ellie's service extended far beyond City Hall and the baseball field. She was a Girl Scout leader, a charter member of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven, a leader in [[Page E187]] the Garden Club, and a Ruling Elder at First Presbyterian Church. She served on boards supporting youth programs, drug prevention initiatives, hospice care, and senior living communities. In 1984, she was recognized as Winter Haven's Woman of the Year. Even after stepping down from elected office, Ellie continued to serve on the city's Board of Adjustment and Police Pension Board. For her, public service was not a position--it was a way of life. Born in Hawaii, educated at Vanderbilt University, and rooted in Winter Haven since 1972, Ellie led by example with a cheerful spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and her community. She is survived by her loving husband, Jim, her daughters Kit and Peggy, her grandson Kasey, and many cherished friends and family members. She leaves behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and civic pride that will continue to inspire generations in Winter Haven. Mr. Speaker, communities are shaped by individuals who choose to give more than they take. Ellie Threlkel was one of those rare individuals. On behalf of Florida's 18th Congressional District, I extend my deepest condolences to the Threlkel family and my gratitude for Ellie's extraordinary life of service. May she rest in peace. ____________________