Elwood, Nebraska
Ellen D. (Miller) Ringenberg age 79 of rural Elwood, Nebraska
passed away Thursday, January 29th, 2009 at her home surrounded by
her family. She was born January 7, 1930 in Dawson County on a farm NW of
Gothenburg, Nebraska to Henry J. and Dora L (Rathe) Miller. She was baptized,
confirmed and
married in the Zion Lutheran Church north of Gothenburg Nebraska. Ellen attended
Rural School District #90, later attending Gothenburg High School, University of
Nebraska School of Agriculture and Kearney State Teachers College. She taught in
one room country schools in Custer, Frontier, Lincoln, Dawson and Gosper
Counties for many years before and after her marriage. It was not uncommon for
former students to share with her the impact she had on their education and
their lives. She remained an engaged educator her entire life. In her own
family, one of her greatest joys in life was seeing her 3 children receive
undergraduate and graduate degrees. Her 2 sons and a grandson also honored her
by becoming Eagle Scouts.
On June 6, 1954 she married Don Ringenberg of Elwood, NE who was serving in the
United States Air Force stationed in Rapid City, SD where they lived until his
discharge from the Air Force at the end of the summer. They then moved to the
Ringenberg family farm southwest of Elwood. This was to be
Ellen’s home the rest of her life.
Ellen is a past worthy matron of the Eastern Star, past president of the Pioneer
Division club of past worthy matrons. Past president of the Tri-County Shrine
Auxiliary, past president of her local neighborhood club
(Pleasant Hill Country Club), secretary of the United Methodist Women, past
president of Morgan Phiffer American Legion Auxiliary and past president of
District #9 American Legion Auxiliary.
Ellen is survived by her husband for 54 years, Don. Her children Mark (Mary) of
Fremont, NE, Carol Lea of Lincoln, NE, and Kurt (Denise) of McCook, NE. She was
blessed with 5 grandchildren, Carly and Cara Ward, Jonathan, and Katherine
Ringenberg and Mack Alspaugh. She is survived by one brother Richard Miller of
Foster, NE and one sister Emma Miller of Castle Rock CO. Sister-in-laws,
Dorothy, and Evelyn Miller and Phyllis Ringenberg, 23 nieces and nephews. She
was preceded in death by her
parents, 5 brothers Henry, Siebelt, Alfred, Reinhold, Harold and a sister
Mildred that died at age 3. Others include sisters-in-law; Doris, Marge, Ileen
and Beverly Miller and Virginia Wheeler and two brothers-in-law: Max Ringenberg
and Sheldon Wheeler.
There will be no visitations as Ellen chose to be cremated. A private burial was
held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. It is Ellen’s wish
that all memorials be made to Little Angelʼs Daycare, in care of the Ellen
Ringenberg Memorial, P.O. Box 31, Elwood, NE 68937.
Condolences and personal reflections may be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com
Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of the arrangements.