Sadie Adelia Ellis, 84

Sadie Adelia Ellis, 84, of Pioneer Senior Cottages in Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, May 6, 2008, at Pioneer Nursing Home.

She was born Oct. 15,.1923 in Coon Valley, Wis., to Albert and Sophie (Nedland) Anderson. She was raised in Coon Valley and later in Viroqua. She graduated from high school and went on to train as a teacher.

She began her teaching career when she was 18 years old and taught until she was 64, earning her BA/BS at the University of Wisconsin/Platteville and then her master’s degree. She taught in Wisconsin, South Dakota and Florida. Sadie taught elementary school and was a music, reading, math and science specialist.

On Aug. 3, 1945, she married Melvin L. Ellis. They settled in Sisseton, where they both taught. After Mr. Ellis retired, they moved to Florida where Sadie continued to teach.

Sadie was very proud of her Norwegian heritage. She spoke the language fluently. She loved music and played violin and sang with her students often. She was a 50-year member of the Eastern Star.

Sadie touched the lives of countless children, many of whom still remember her as the best teacher they ever had. She adored her young students. She loved to read, was very interested in history and enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; one brother, Ray; and one sister, Anita.

Sadie is survived by her sister, Marian Hayden, Viroqua, Wis., two sons, Mel (Sue) Ellis, Foxhome and John (Marilyn) Ellis of Yreka, Calif., seven grandchildren, Shenandoah (Mike) Ulmer, John Donahue, Drs. Kristin (Daniel) Solomon, Mark (Nancy) Ellis, Jessica Ellis, Chris Hoffarth and Heidi Hoffarth; six great-grandchildren, Jackson, Hunter, Gwendolyn, Loren, Speros and baby “Gus,”; her countless students; and all of her loving caregivers at Heritage cottage.

Memorial Service: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at the Heritage Cottage of Pioneer Cottages, Fergus Falls

Clergy: Chaplain Harry Olson

Burial: Andersonville National Cemetery, Andersonville, Ga.

Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls

n Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com