Irene Ellison

Velva

Irene Ellison, 85, Velva, ND, passed away Monday, December 4, 2023, at a Minot hospital.

Irene Christensen was born September 27, 1938, the daughter of Sophus and Valbourg “Viola” (Johnsen) Christensen, in Askov, MN. She was the youngest of six children. She attended school in both Askov, MN and Pasco, WA.

She met Jim Ellison at a dance while he was enlisted in the United States Army in Pasco WA. They were married April 7, 1956 in Pasco, WA. They moved back to Jim’s family farm in North Dakota in the Lake Hester area and later moved into Velva, where they raised their three daughters.

Irene worked for many years as the book keeper for Ellison Builders which was established in 1977. She also volunteered for the Velva Ambulance for which she served with for over 30 years. Irene became an EMT in 1980. Irene also volunteered and served many funeral lunches at Oak Valley Lutheran Church.

Jim passed away February 22, 2021. They were happily married for nearly 65 years.

Irene moved to Valley View Manor in Velva in February of 2023 where she reestablished many friendships while also starting many new ones.

Irene enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, and gardening. She made many clothes for her daughters when they were growing up. Irene loved all babies and all babies loved Irene.

Her loving family includes: daughters, Marilynn (Ken) Klein, Minot, Jami Brossart, Bergen, Julie (James) Anderson, Velva; grandchildren, Joshua (Samantha) Klein, AJ (Sheila) Klein, Lucas (Chandra) Klein, Brandon (Lindsey) Brossart, Alaina Anderson, David (Rose) Anderson; great-grandchildren, Jade Anderson, Kimber Brossart, Layla Brossart, Barrett Brossart, Atticus Klein, Karver Haugen, Gariel Miranda, Giselle Miranda; brother-in-law, Burdette Kittelson; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Jim, siblings, Carl (Elaine) Christensen, Doris (Lyle) Esser, Elaine (Carl) Pearson, Betty (Cal) Bailey, and Carol (Calvin) Brown.

Interment: Velva Cemetery, Velva, ND.

Visitation: Friday, December 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Velva.

Memorials: are preferred to donor’s choice.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, December 7, 2023.