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Ellen Mulder Obituary
Ellen was born on July 6, 1945 in Juneau, Alaska to O.F. (Ben) and Clara Benecke. Ellen attended and graduated from Oregon State University. When she returned to Juneau after college, she met the love of her life, and husband of 43 years, Russell Mulder. After they married, they moved to Anchorage, and raised three children in the Turnagain area.
For many years, Ellen thoroughly enjoyed working at the Alaska State Courthouse in Anchorage. She always considered her courthouse co-workers part of her extended family. Ellen was also extremely popular in the Anchorage tennis community. She helped organize leagues, and traveled with Team Tennis to compete in the Pacific Northwest. Her tennis partners will miss her good hearted but competitive nature.
Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, Russ and her parents. She is survived by two wonderful sisters: Diane Benecke and Jan and her husband, Mike McGreevy of Seattle, Washington; three children: Brian Mulder of Colorado Springs; Danielle and her husband, Skip Hurley of Puyallup, Washington, and Kevin Mulder of Anchorage; and four grandchildren: Jessica and Jack Mulder, and Catlin and Sarah Hurley.
Ellen's family learned strength from her sicknesses and triumphs. She showed grace in times of adversity; she showed love in times of pain; and she always showed us that it is easier to be kind than to be hurtful. Her smile and wholesome disposition will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Ellen Mulder's life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, November 18th at Anchorage Lutheran Church, 1420 "N" Street.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Iris Mathewson-Shah
July 21, 2025
Ellen I still miss you so much, especially on your 80th heavenly birthday this month. Loves to you forever. Iris
Iris Mathewson -Shah
January 16, 2025
Ellen, I still miss you. So many wonderful times we had til the very end. Love from Iris
Elaine Andrews
December 3, 2011
To Ellen's Family,
I was so sad to read of Ellen's passing. I knew Ellen from her work at the court (not the tennis court!). I knew of her reputation as an energetic and competitive tennis player. That same level of dedication and energy characterized her work at the court. She was a whiz.
When I first met her she was a "floating secretary", now know as a judicial assistant. I was working in the extremely busy family court where the parade of files seemed endless. Ellen was able to tame the stacks of files into submission while answering the phones and providing kindly and correct advice to attorneys and litigants alike. Although we only worked together occasionally and briefly, I always knew I was in good hands when Ellen was on deck.
Ellen will be missed.
With sympathy,
Elaine Andrews
Retired Superior Court Judge
Jennifer Carson
November 21, 2011
Dani & Skip...our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jennifer & Robby Carson
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Darla Brooks
November 17, 2011
My sincerest condolences Brian, Dani, Kevin, and Ellen's sister's, Diane and Jan.
I had the privilege to share wonderful times with Ellen. She was one of my truest friends. Playing the game of tennis along side her was a testament to her outlook on life. To Ellen, being 'down love five in the third' only meant that we were still in it. That we still had a chance. Optimism was truly one of her greatest strengths.
Having a friend like Ellen meant I was either dirty from cleaning and organizing with her, sweaty from chasing down lobs, or beautifully dressed to the nines along side her. Ellen was the best kind of friend to have.
One one of our trips together, we went to Las Vegas to compete in World Team Tennis. We could only talk of a hot shower and a good nights sleep during the flight. Soon after we checked into the "world famous" Circus Circus, we got that hot shower and were ready for that good nights sleep. 'Old Yeller' was on the television when we noticed the lights of Vegas slowly starting to shine as the sun began to set. Ellen went to the window for a better look at the situation, she then turned to me with an adventurous smile and said, "Are you ready?" So much for that good nights sleep.
Being with Ellen was always a good time. If you forgot something or needed something, chances are she would have something that would suffice in her purse! She had the best stocked purse ever! Grooming aids, notions, pharmaceuticals and protein bars, could always be found in there! Not to mention a photo album of her beloved family.
I will always smile when I think of Ellen. Because of all those wonderful times we shared.
Rest in peace Ellen.
Your Friend,
Darla
Lora Newby
November 16, 2011
Our condolences to all of you. Just wanted to let you know that we'll miss Ellen. John & I first met her & Russ at Kevin's baseball games back in the late 80s and I worked with Ellen for many years at the Court System. She was a wonderful co-worker and friend - always cheerful and positive. I am proud to have known & learned from her!
John Hendrickson
November 16, 2011
My sincere condolences to Brian, Dani, Kevin, and Ellen's sisters, Diane and Jan.
Ellen was a wonderful friend and terrific neighbor. I thoroughly enjoyed growing up next to the Mulders.
I always enjoyed my time on the tennis courts with Ellen and members of the family. She thoroughly enjoyed the game, and made it fun for all her partners and opponents. All of us are hoping she has a wonderful time in heaven, playing hours of tennis and laughing often. We are also hopeful there will be a good tennis pro in heaven that can fix her awkward serve and funny backhand.
Ellen loved to garden. In the summer months, I can remember watching her pull weeds well after midnight. Oddly, around 2 a.m.--after Ellen had gone to bed-- we neighbors would also observe her husband, Russ, re-planting those same weeds to keep Ellen busy and happy. Good times!
We will miss you Ellen. Rest in Peace. You deserve it. We love you!
John Hendrickson
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