Ellen Marie left us on Monday December 9th, 2024, to return to her Lord and Savior Jesus.  Born February 9th, 1937, near the end of the Great Depression, she was no stranger to adversity.  She was able to use the challenges she faced as lessons in how to bring comfort to others.  She had a ready ear and guidance toward forgiveness and peace.  Ellen devoted her life to being a Mother and Grandmother, the latter of which I think brought her the most joy.

As one of 4 children, Ellen was the youngest.  Often mischievous and willing to push a few boundaries.  She was fiercely protected by her sisters, Phyllis and Annie.  While her brother was older and spent time away in the military, they also had a very loving relationship.  Her Mother Grace's love was always evident and while her Father Roland passed away young due to war injuries she had fond memories of when she was young.

Sadly, she was predeceased by her 5-year-old son Tommie who was always in her heart and dearly missed.  Her legacy lives on through her daughter Kim and grandchildren Brandon and Maegan along with nieces and nephew, Linda, Denise, John and Jan, as well as many great nieces, nephews and cousins.

To many a friendship is fleeting based on time, place, similarities, or circumstances.  Ellen was unique in this.  Her friendships lasted through life's changes.  Her work friends from the Federal Building have stayed in touch 22 years after retirement.   Her Calvary church and school friends have been sharing their journey for almost 50 years.  The love between them glowed when they got together or talked on the phone.

We can be comforted to know that Ellen will celebrate this Christmas in Heaven expectantly surrounded by her loved ones and free from all sin, pain and suffering.  She did not want us to ever mourn her passing but celebrate each day as fully as possible.

In lieu of flowers, donations to one of Ellen's favorite charities in her honor would be greatly appreciated by the family.

St. Jude Children's Hospital https://www.stjude.org

Disabled American Veterans https://help.dav.org/

Calvary Lutheran Church https://calvarylplcms.org