Ellen Mellum • 1914 - 2010

Ellen Mellum, 96, Minot, ND, died Thursday, September 16, 2010, in her home.

Ellen Rose Kirby was born June 9, 1914, a daughter of Edward A. and Julia (Egan) Kirby, in St. Paul, MN. She was raised and educated in St. Paul, MN, and graduated from Central High School.

Ellen married Gordon Mellum December 27, 1942, in St. Paul, MN. Ellen was bookkeeper for Minot Wrecking and Salvage, the family business until1976. Ellen and Gordon then spent 25 years being snowbirds in Apache Junction, AZ, where they enjoyed many lively friendships. Gordon passed away November 29, 1995.

She was extremely proud of her Irish heritage and delighted in listening to Daniel O’Donnell.

Ellen was a lifelong Minnesota Twins fan and watched until the day she died, and the Twins were ahead! The Minnesota Vikings also had a special place in her heart and she kept her prized Viking sweatshirt locked away until game days!

The Hallmark Corporation will notice a drop in sales because Ellen was a person who delighted in sending cards to family and friends.  The Hallmark Store ladies will miss her.

Ellen was a member of St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Minot and the St. Leo’s Confraternity. She took pride in being a PTA President, and a sometime model during the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, and 80’s.

She also belonged to an all left-handed bowling team in her younger years and earned a shelf full of trophies.

Surviving family includes:  daughter, Kathy (Bill) Maffett, Crescent City, CA; daughter-in-law, Deborah Mellum, Minot; grandchildren, Paul Mellum, Amy Mellum, Nick Mellum, Erica Mellum, and Katie Mellum; and Brett Maffett; great-grandson, Nate Mellum, Gustavo McCurley, and Raven Maffett;  and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Julia Kirby; husband, Gordon; son, Dale Mellum; infant daughter, Gail Mellum; grandson, Philip Mellum; brothers: Patrick Kirby, Edward Kirby; sisters, Mary Forpahl, Gert Forpahl, and Theresa Lydell.

Funeral: Saturday, September 18, 2010, at 1 p.m. at The View, 2905 Elk Drive, Minot.

Inurnment:  Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot, ND.

Visitation:  Saturday one hour prior to the service at The View.  

Memorials: are preferred to God’s Child.

Celebrant of the Liturgies: Monsignor Joseph Senger

Music
“Danny Boy” by Daniel O’Donnell
Opening Song, “Here I Am Lord”
Offertory, “Hail Mary, Gentle Woman
Communion, “I Am The Bread of Life”
Closing Song, “Holy God, We Praise Thy Name
Musicians, Stephen Dallolio and Beth Chapman

Honorary  Bearers: Bill Maffett, Brett Maffett, Paul Mellum, Amy Mellum, Nick Mellum, Erica Mellum, Katie Mellum

Following the service, everyone is invited to join with the family in a time of fellowship at The View Pub Room.

Ellen’s family would like to take this time to thank everyone for all of the kindnesses accorded to them at this most difficult time.

To sign the online guest register for Ellen
To view the online guest register for Ellen

To view the inside of Ellen's folder
To view the outside of Ellen's folder

Back to Obituaries