Barbara Jean Ellson

1930 - 2024

Barbara Jean Ellson, age 94, met her Lord and Savior, Sunday, April 21, in St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She entered into her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 9, 1930, in Colo, Iowa, to Robert Roy and Mildred Stevenson. She graduated in 1947 from Colo High School. She met Forest, the love of her life, while working for the Department of Transportation in Ames, Iowa. Forest Dale Ellson and Barbara were married September 5, 1948, and were married 59 years until Forest's death in 2007. Barbara's faith was an integral part of who she was even sharing about Jesus to the nurses in her last days. She bought Bibles for all her grandchildren and prayed daily for her family. She loved family gatherings at their lake home and preparing amazing meals for her large family. She was an avid Iowa State fan, especially football and basketball. She will be remembered for her love of cooking, all types of card games, and genuine interest in her family's lives. She was a great listener, encourager, and Disciple of Christ. She was a member of Anchor Bible Church in Center Point, Iowa. Left to cherish her memory are her 3 children, Terri (Rick) Fryar of Highland Ranch, CO; Michael (Kristine) Ellson of Center Point, IA; and Mark (Karen) Ellson of Woodbury, MN. Eight grandchildren; Marcie (Nick) Miller, Brad (Jacqueline) Ellson, Tara Subah, Diana (Josh) Sankey, Laura (Angel) Corona, Jenni (Adam) Jaehnke, Matt Ellson, Nicole Ellson, and her brother, Bob Stevenson (Miriam). She was also blessed with 27 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister Ruth and brother-in-law Ray, sister-in-law Miriam, son-in-law Rick, and infant daughter, Marcy Sue. Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Anchor Bible Church with Pastor Andrew Happ officiating. Visitation will proceed the service starting at 9:30 a.m. The burial will be at the Ames Municipal Cemetery, Friday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. with a graveside service. Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Center Point is assisting the family. Memorials may be designated to Tunnel to Towers Foundation for her support of the military or to Anchor Bible Church because of her love of Jesus. Please share a memory of Barbara at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.