Ellen Crossett

The Angels saw Ellen Delores "Schantz" Crossett, 80, of Colonial Manor in Columbus Junction, Ia. getting tired, they knew she had pain and was suffering from memory loss as they gathered close to her.  Her family thought of so many things as they held her hand so tight, her eyes were looking upward and they knew she was homeward bound.  It was so comforting to know mom was going home to a place so pure.

Funeral services have been set for Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 10:30am at the Beatty Funeral Home in Washington with Amy Sara Richardson officiating.  Burial will take place at the Wellman Public Cemetery at 1pm.  Visitation will be held from noon – 7pm on Tuesday, February 14, 2017 at the Beatty Funeral Home, where the family will greet friends from 4 – 7pm.  Memorial funds have been established for Colonial Manor Nursing Home in Columbus Junction, Alzheimer's Association and Hospice of Washington County.

Ellen was born on October 3, 1936 at her parents home in Washington, Iowa.  She was the daughter of Ada Fannie (Christner) and David R. Schantz.  Ellen attended Shiloh Country School outside of Washington.  She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Gary E. Crossett, on January 14, 1952 in Bloomfield, Iowa.  The couple farmed for 49 years southeast of Washington.  They were married 57 years before Gary passed away in April 2009.  Ellen was a member of the Sunshine Country Club, she sold Tupperware for many years, worked at the Snack Shack as a waitress, Orchard Hill Rescare and Nucara Pharmacy in Washington.  She taught Sunday School for many years at Pleasant Hill and First Christian Church.  It was hard to find Ellen sitting idle, she was a seamstress, making several junior brides maid dresses to look like the brides dress, making crafts, decorating cakes for birthdays and weddings, owning her ceramic shop, pouring her own porcelain to make dolls, or working in her flower and vegetable gardens.  She loved sharing her talents with family and friends and was often found at the Farmer's Market in Washington.

Ellen will be truly missed by her children and grandchildren: Collen Kay Jefferson and husband David of Grundy Center, IA., Marshall David Crossett and wife Jennifer of Washington, IA., Connie Lynn Crossett and special friend Bob Shepherd of Washington, IA., Ada Sue Sands and husband Dale of Cedar Rapids, IA., Teresa Mae Peterson and husband Darwin of Red Oak, IA., Sheryl Denise Crossett of Washington, IA., 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, two sisters: Pauline Duck of Leawood, KS., Betty Beenblossom of Washington, IA., two brothers-in-law: Duane Crossett of Columbus Junction, IA., Tom Crossett of Burlington, IA., four sisters-in-law: Linda Kleese, Mid Thomas, Mary Schantz all of Washington, IA., and Dolores Crossett of New London, IA., and her beloved Shih Tzu puppy, Kaci who now lives with Colleen in Grundy Center.

Preceding Ellen in death were her husband Gary in 2009, her parents, three sisters, one brother, one  brother-in-law and one niece.