Adelaide Ellen Spalding, 78, of Lawrence, Kansas, passed away on March 16, 2016. Ellen was born on May 21, 1937, to Adelaide (Corydon) Spalding and Dr. Maurice Acobert Spalding, in Chicago, Illinois. From her earliest years Ellen was exceptional. Nicknamed “Cookie”, she modeled for advertisers professionally through the prestigious Jack Powers agency before the age of one and was known as the most-photographed young lady in America by 1940. Ellen graduated from Grinnell College in 1958 as a member of Phi Beta Kappa with a double major in French and Political Science. She earned her Masters of Arts in Library Science from the University of Chicago in 1963 and her Juris Doctor at the University of Kansas in 1976, where she was a member of Order of the Coif.
Prior to attending law school Ellen worked as a librarian at high schools and as an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas. Ellen began her legal career in the tax department at the Stinson Mag & Fizzell law firm in Kansas City, worked as a municipal bond attorney at the firm of Gaar & Bell and played a key role in the Corporate Finance Department at George K. Baum & Company for many years. Her sharp, inquisitive mind led to her pioneering career in these different and difficult fields. Ellen generously mentored younger women during her career and continued to offer personal and professional guidance to them following her retirement.
Ellen’s time living in France added to her sophistication and elegance. Her experiences there helped to develop her culinary skills and her distinctive cooking style. She enjoyed preparing special meals for friends.
Her love of cars connected Ellen to Donald Weaver, her partner, companion and friend during some of the best years of her life. With Don, Ellen traveled the West, became a dog lover and laughed freely.
Ellen’s character, clarity of thought and integrity inspired others to achievement. Ellen’s friends from many walks of life reflect her varied interests, from her love of reading and watching professional basketball to her concern for those around her. She is survived by those friends and her life continues in their memories.
No services are scheduled at this time.
