Ellen Ruby Thompson's Obituary
Ellen Ruby Thompson
September 29, 1917 ~ October 3, 2015
Ellen Ruby Thompson passed away with family by her side. Ellen just celebrated her 98th birthday in her home at Thanksgiving House with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends that came to enjoy Ellen’s special day.
Ellen was born on September 29, 1917, in Portland, Oregon to Hilda and Frank Sandquist.
Ellen met her husband to be at the local roller skating rink that was in St. Helens. Ellen married Norman Clark Thompson on March 28, 1936, thus starting Ellen’s lifelong devotion to family. Ellen and Norman raised five children during tough times. Ellen always managed to keep the family’s needs met. Ellen’s faith in God was strengthened as she became a member of Latter-day Saints of St. Helens in 1953. Ellen was very active in The Relief Society helping others in times of need.
Ellen gave love and support unconditionally to her family, friends and the many organizations she belonged to over the years. Ellen joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars in 1945 and was a Lifetime member of VFW Post 4362.
Being involved in all these organizations, including Columbia County Historical Society, Beaver Grange and St. Helens Senior Center, gave Ellen insight to community needs of which she faithfully supported.
Ellen was well known for the Veterans Day Buddy Poppy program. One would find her outside local establishments selling those “red poppies.”
Ellen loved parades, especially our St. Helens Kiwanis Day Parade. The Columbia County Fair was a must do for Ellen. One year, Ellen entered her cornflake cookies that won a blue ribbon, now a family favorite.
Ellen was always there for birthdays, graduations, and weddings. One would look forward to her creative way of giving a gift.
Ellen kept amazing hand-written detail on photos and would write of daily everyday life. Through these writings one can see how special everyday was to Ellen. The “limelight” was not for Ellen. Her passion was to work behind the scenes and to celebrate others.
Ellen is survived by sons, Bill and daughter-in-law Pauline, Robert and daughter-in-law Judy, of St. Helens, and Dale and daughter-in-law Patti of Albany; daughter, Alice and son-in-law Mike Bair of Prineville; and daughter-in-law, Susan Thompson of Seaside. Ellen has 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Norman Clark Thompson in 2003 and son, Herbert Lee Thompson in 2013.
In lieu of flowers, Ellen and Ellen’s family will greatly appreciate donations made to Thanksgiving House, 184 N. 2nd St., St. Helens, OR 97051, where she was blessed to have lived with loving care for nine years.
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