Elisabeth Margaret “Ellie” Best, beloved mother, grandmother, and Colorado Springs resident since 1979, passed away on February 27, 2023, in Niceville, Florida at the age of 88.
Ellie was born on December 5, 1934 to Johan Caps and Margaret (Labmeyer) Caps in Cham, Germany. She married Willie L. Best in August of 1967, and was a devoted military spouse, homemaker, and childcare provider. Ellie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family.
In retirement, Willie and Ellie were snowbirds who enjoyed spending time in Florida, and Arizona.
Ellie is survived by four sons: John Kepler, Michael Kepler, Joe Best, and Ken Best (wife, Dawn); two daughters: Barbara Jean Wheeler and Terry Best-Rennahan (husband, Jeremy); brother and sisters-in-law, Mary Gray Best, Vance and Sue Best, Gayle Francis; eleven grandchildren; and nieces and nephews in Germany.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Best; her parents; two daughters: Karen (Kepler) Taylor, and Linda Best; and a granddaughter, Lisa (Taylor) Clark.
Her family will hold a service to celebrate Ellie’s life and honor her memory at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at the Shrine of Remembrance “America the Beautiful” Chapel, 1730 E. Fountain Boulevard, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80910. Inurnment will be at the Shrine of Remembrance Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Air Force Enlisted Village (www.afev.us/).
Ellie will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.