Eva Eleanor Ellis

Eva Eleanor Ellis, 95, of Billings, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012.

Eva was born on Dec. 24, 1916, to Clara and Peder Pederson in Van Hook, N.D., where she grew up on a farm. She graduated from Minot State College, and later earned a master's degree at Eastern Montana College. She married the love of her life, Clinton Ellis of Hillman, Minn., on June 14, 1946.

Eva started teaching in a one-room schoolhouse in North Dakota. Her career included elementary and high schools, general business college at the U. of Minnesota, adult education, and special education preschool. At age 91, she taught her final class for Billings Nite Owls. Eva also worked as a professional cake decorator and owned a catering business in Minneapolis.

She enjoyed entertaining family and friends, travel, handiwork, baking, church activities, and learning new things. In her 80s, she started oil painting. Her family and faith in God were of primary importance.

Eva was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years; her parents; brothers, Clifford, Clarence, and Russell; and sisters, Lillian, Marian, Alice, Edna, Myrtle, and Gladys.

Survivors include daughters, Marybeth (Donald) Hageman of Maryland, and Brenda Ellis of Minnesota; grandchildren, Betsy Hageman, Sally (Chad) Brewer, Natalie Hageman, Heather (Matt) Hanson, and Lindsey Ellis; great-grandchildren, Ava, Megan, and Tessa Brewer, and Riley and Skylar Hanson; sister-in-law, Beverly Pederson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from noon to 5 p.m. at Cremation & Funeral Gallery on Friday, Jan. 27, 2012. Funeral services will be held at Cremation & Funeral Gallery at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. Burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens will follow the funeral.

Arrangements are by Cremation and Funeral Gallery. Condolences may be sent to the family through "Our Families" at www.cfgbillings.com.

Eva Ellis