Ellen Viola Christensen, 99, died Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at Box Butte General Hospital.
She was born July 18, 1921, the 1st child of Hans Peter and June Nina Christensen in Box Butte County, just west of Berea, Nebraska. Ellen was the first child and would later be joined by a sister, Ruth. Shortly after Ruth was born, the Christensen family moved to Berea, Nebraska. Growing up on the family ranch, Ellen learned, at an early age, the value of hard work. The Christensen girls were in charge of gathering the eggs from the chickens and milking the cows.
Ellen attended school at the Berea School where she attended grades 1st-10th. The first two years of high school were at Berea School and then 11th – 12th grade in Alliance, Nebraska. After receiving her high school diploma, Ellen knew her next goal was furthering her education at Chadron State College to obtain her teaching certificate. After receiving her teaching certificate, Ellen returned to Alliance, Nebraska and began her teaching career. Ellen would then go on to obtain her Master’s Degree. She was only a few credits short of obtaining her Doctorate. Ellen will be remembered for her 51 years of teaching in the Alliance school district.
Ellen enjoyed many things in life including traveling, gardening, reading, and volunteering. One of Ellen’s greatest gifts was her ability to give her time. Ellen was and will continue to be known for her abundant hours of volunteer work and board member work throughout her 99 years of life. Ellen was a board member of the Alliance Knight Museum Board, Sallows Foundation, and the Alliance Public Library Board for many years. She was also very involved in the American Legion Auxiliary. Ellen was instrumental as a volunteer and a financial donor for the Sallows Military Museum which began in 2003. Ellen was always willing to lend a helping hand no matter what it was.
Ellen enjoyed her home in Alliance and raised some of the most beautiful roses around. At 98 years old, she was welcomed into the Highland Park Nursing Home Community. She was able to enjoy her last year in their wonderful care.
Ellen is survived by one nephew, Bruce (Patsy) Mulloy of Union Center, SD and one niece, Janice Mulloy Rapid City, SD; four great-nieces, Elaine (Randy) Smith, Carol-Anne (Jade) Hlavka, Marie (Jeff) Koupal, and one great-nephew, Jaymeson Eisenbraun; seven great-great-nieces and nephews, Rowan, Carston, Holden, Maren, Waylon, Zeke, Briggs, and Tiberius; and numerous 2nd and 3rd cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Hans Peter and June Nina Christensen; her sister Ruth Mulloy; and niece Patricia Mulloy.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church. Pastor Shaun Daugherty will officiate. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Monday, June 21, 2021 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. with the family being present to greet friends from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
A memorial has been established in Ellen’s name for the Alliance Knight Museum and the Sallows Military Museum. Memorial Funds may be sent to Ellen Christensen Memorial, 932 Toluca Ave, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
Cards of condolence may be sent to Bruce Mulloy, 16973 SD Hwy 34, Union Center, SD, 57787 and Janice Mulloy, 3521 Knuckleduster Rd, Rapid City, SD, 57703.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.