Ellen Wilson

Ellen Wilson

92, of Missoula

Ellen J. Wilson, 92, of Missoula passed away on Sunday, Jan.10, 2016, at Bee Hive Homes.

Ellen was born Feb. 27, 1923, in Libby, to Joseph and Magdalena Poesing Stuhlreiter, the youngest of five girls. Despite losing her father in a tragic accident when she was just seven months old and growing up during the depression, Ellen was able to recall her childhood fondly. She had a resourceful mother who raised her own chickens and vegetables at their home along Flower Creek and was a wonderful cook who always found room for one more at the table. Ellen’s older sisters looked out for her, including making her beautiful clothes. Ellen loved growing up amid the natural beauty of northwest Montana, where she spent much of her youth hiking, fishing and swimming. Music was a passion of hers; she had a beautiful voice and was accomplished on the piano and violin.

Upon graduation from Libby High School in 1941, Ellen attended Eastern Montana Normal School, now MSU Billings, where she majored in education. After graduation she taught in Grass Range and Park City.

In 1947 Ellen moved to Terry and in 1949 married county extension agent Philip R. Wilson. After raising her family, she returned to the classroom, teaching first grade until her retirement in 1992.

In 2006 Ellen moved to Missoula to be closer to family.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband and sisters Mary Kerkes, Elizabeth Grambauer, Anna Griffith and Margaret Stuhlreiter.

Ellen is survived by her four children, Richard Wilson of Hampton, Va., Peggy (Mark) Latrielle, of Missoula, Barbara (William) Ifft of Medical Lake, Wash., and Scot (Kasandra) Wilson of Missoula, as well as eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A service for Ellen will be held in Terry in the spring or summer. Online memorial and condolences may be shared at www.stevensonandsons.com.