Ellen Vernice Nelson, 89

Ellen Vernice Nelson, 89, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at the Heritage Place in Kalispell. She was born Feb. 3, 1920, to William and Edna (Wilson) Alfred on their homestead four miles north of Two Dot.

By the time Ellen started school, she had two sisters, Verdie and Margie, for playmates. She rode her pony several miles to a one-room country school at Fendon, Mont. Later the Alfreds moved to Round Butte where Ellen attended high school in Ronan. She was active in 4-H and a junior leader in their club.

After graduating from high school she attended Kinman Business College in Spokane. After completing her studies she returned to Ronan and was employed at Sterling's Market. While working there she met Thomas A. Nelson and they were married Oct. 19, 1941, in Ronan. For a short time the couple lived in Kalispell, but moved to California during the war years. Then they returned to Kalispell to make their home. Thomas passed away Aug. 29, 1990.

Ellen was always a willing worker and had given many hours to her favorite charities. She was a member of the garden department of the Century Club, serving both as president and secretary at various times. Ellen was a 63-year patron member of the Eagles Auxiliary 234. She served as secretary for 25 years and enjoyed homemaking, gardening, dancing and reading.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, William and Edna Alfred; and sisters, Verdie L. Fairbanks and Margie L. Bagnell.

She is survived by a brother-in-law, Elmer Fairbanks, of Greene, N.Y.; a sister-in-law, Mamie N. Rogers, of Rollins; nieces and nephews, Dale and Diana Fairbanks of North Glen, Colo., Bruce and Patsy Fairbanks of Lake Charles, La., Candace and Sayed Ali of Greene, Leila and Don Davenport of McCleary, Wash., Betty Johnsen of Raversdale, Wash., Ester Janke of Spokane, Dean Frolander of Quartzsite, Ariz., Loren Nelson of Kalispell, and Marvin Nelson of Rollins.

Funeral services for Ellen will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7, in the Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Chapel, with Pastor Tim Bartholomew officiating. Visitation will be in the chapel for one hour prior to services and burial will follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for Ellen's family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to view Ellen's guest book, offer condolences and share memories.