Barbara Jean Ellis • 1951- 2010

Barbara Ellis- 58, East Grand Forks, MN, formerly of Minot, ND, died as of a result of kidney failure and other health complications on April 22nd, 2010 in a Minot Hospital.

Barbara Jean Woods was born May 19,1951 in Madison, Connecticut to Elmer and Elizabeth ( Whitmore) Woods. Upon graduating from Daniel Hand high school,  she moved to Salt Lake City, Utah to continue her education at LDS Business College. In Nov of 1970 she married Michael C. Ellis. Together they had 9 children. In 1993, she received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Minot State University and upon completing her Master of Sciences in Child psychology from MSU, she worked as a school psychologist in Sioux City, Iowa, Willmar and Marshall Minnesota.

Barbara spent her early married years in Utah at home with her children while her husband traveled for work. In 1981, they came across an ad asking for families to homestead in Antler ND, offering free land if they stayed for 5 years. It was the opportunity they had been waiting for to move out of the city and pursue their dreams of raising their family in the country. After the Antler public school closed in 1987, they moved to 15 acres outside of Burlington and then later into the city of Minot. Barbara loved flowers, gardening, reading, sewing, learning, spending time with her children and grandchildren, and especially laughter. She was a devoted mother, an avid listener, and a loyal friend. She enjoyed crafting, music, playing games, and was a faithful journal writer.

Barbara is a valiant member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She had an unfailing testimony that she was always willing to share. Throughout her life she served in various leadership positions and her positive influence will be remembered by many. She dedicated several years of service to the Minot Family History Center and developed a great love for genealogy. Barbara had an infectious laugh, and her effervescent personality was a joy to be around. Her optimistic outlook inspired others to look for the best in every situation. She loved children and enjoyed the years she spent teaching Sunday school. She also worked with the youth throughout her life directing classes and summer camp for girls. Her later years were spent serving and working in the Minneapolis/St.Paul MN LDS Temple. In 2007, due to poor health, she moved to East Grand Forks to live near her daughter. By 2009 her failing health required a move to McIntosh Manor in MN and finally to Westhope Home in ND.

She is survived by her Mother, Elizabeth A. Woods, Minot; her children: Michael Y. Ellis, Minot;  B. Christina Nero, East Grand Forks, MN; Howard C Ellis, Littleton, CO; C. Nannette Ely, Glendale, AZ; R. Zacharey Ellis, Minot; J. Audra Talcott, Omaha, NE; E. Sarah Adams, Buxton, ND; F. Barnaby Ellis, Deering, ND; and Sandra K. Washburn, Omaha, NE.  Her 21 grandchildren: Ashley, Michael, Jonny and Emily Nero; David Salido, Isabella, Michael and Grasyn Ellis, Madi, Justin, Ryan and Ella Ely;  Zachary and Katie Ellis; Sarah, Nathan, Jared, Henry and Louisa Talcott;  Wesley Adams; Alyssa Washburn. and her sister, April Mangum, Ivins, Utah.   

She was preceded in death by her father, Elmer E. Woods, a granddaughter, Kristen N. Ellis and her brother, Christopher S.Woods.

Funeral: Tuesday, April 27th 2010, 11am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2025 9th Street Northwest, Minot.

Interment:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND

Visitation:  Monday, April 26th from 2-7 PM at the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot, ND.

Memorials should be sent to the Ward County Historical Society.

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