Ellen K. McCulloch

Ellen passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 95 on Thursday, October 17, 2024. Ellen is survived by son Steve (Patty), daughter Barb (Craig) Larson, and son Bob (Jennie); grandchildren Kimberly Larson, Megan (Dave) Prochniak, Amy (Alex) Glitsos, John (Anne) McCulloch, and Sean (Shanna) McCulloch; great-grandchildren Georgia, Miles, Adam, Emma, Maren, and Brigid. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of almost 70 years, John, great-grandson Quinn, and great-granddaughter Eleanor.

Ellen was born March 19, 1929 in New Albany, Indiana, sissy to two brothers, Henry and Robert, and daughter of Henry and Frances Keller. She always said she had a nondescript childhood. She was a “city” kid and, while they were poor, she never knew it. 

She graduated from New Albany High School and went to work for a plywood company that made toilet seats. Her next job was working for a company in Louisville, Kentucky that produced yellow pages. She worked there until she met and married John in 1951. Over the years they moved at least sixteen times, living in Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, and Texas, which was always her favorite.

Ellen was an amazing woman – a beloved wife, a terrific mom, a fantastic and fun grandma and great-grandma. She was an awesome cook and never failed to keep her family well fed. She was proud of her family. While she loved her children, she truly adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She cherished the time she was able to spend with them. Ellen will be missed dearly but she left us with beautiful memories.

A tribute fund has been set up to honor Ellen and John at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Donations can be mailed to Tributes, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, PO Box 860647, Minneapolis, MN, 55486-0647 or the link for online donation: https://84402.blackbaudhosting.com/84402/Arboretum-with-a-Tribute. Include their names with your donation and it will be added to their tribute fund.

Private family services will be held.