Ellen Louise McDermott, died peacefully on November 19, 2018.
A memorial service will be Saturday at 2:00 p.m. on November 24, 2018 at Sunset Hills Cemetery in Fairfield. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
Ellen was born on May 3, 1940 in Ethridge, Montana. Ellen and her seven siblings were raised by Sigurjon and Ella Sigurdson in Shelby, Montana. She grew up in Shelby and graduated from Shelby High School in 1959. Ellen was always a very hard worker, even landing a role as a Mountain Bell telephone operator during high school.
Ellen married Ken McDermott on March 11, 1960 in Great Falls. Ken and Ellen lived in Shelby and started raising a family. Ellen continued to work at Mountain Bell while raising her family until 1968. Ken had an opportunity to take assignments in Spain and Germany, so the family did just that.
They relocated to Spain where Ken worked for Automatic Electric. The family traveled throughout the countries extensively and the children all attended school in Spain. It was a great experience for the whole family.
After two years overseas, Ken and Ellen, with their family decided to move back to Montana where Ken joined 3 Rivers Telephone as a central office technician in Fairfield, Montana.
Once the family was situated, Ellen rejoined Mountain Bell in Great Falls. She took an opportunity, as she was struggling with her health to take an early retirement in 1985, after having contributed over twenty years at Mountain Bell.
While working, Ellen raised her family with love. Her three boys were avid sports players and the parents enjoyed watching all the local sports activities with the Fairfield Eagles.
Ellen enjoyed baking and traveling during her retirement. She had a love of life and spirit that endured even through her many years of suffering with severe rheumatoid arthritis.
Ellen loved to cook for family and friends and was known to be excellent at what she loved. She enjoyed making cookies and baked her many favorites for family and friends. She took pride in her goodies prepared with love and care. Ellen also loved to spend time with her grandchildren, family, and friends.
To read the complete obituary and share condolences, visit the O’Connor Funeral Home website.
