Lois "Jolene" Ellard

Lois “Jolene” Ellard, 72, passed away on August 27, 2025, in Portland, Oregon.

Jolene was born on November 5, 1952, in Arco, Idaho, to Maurice and Clover (Palmer) Haney. She grew up in Arco and attended school there before eventually settling in Oregon. She lived in McKenzie and later in Burns, where she made her home from 1990 until 2019. In her later years, she moved to Gates, Oregon, to be closer to her daughter.

Jolene dedicated 25 years of her career as a Certified Medical Assistant at Blue Mountain Nursing Home in John Day, Oregon, where she cared deeply for the residents and formed lifelong friendships.

She loved the outdoors and found joy in flower gardening especially her beloved pansies as well as camping, fishing, hiking, and visiting the Oregon Coast. Jolene had a vibrant personality, known for telling it like it is, making people laugh with her jokes, and showing her family and friends how deeply she loved them. She loved spending time with her devoted dog Chewy. She also attended Native American Pow Wow's as well.

She is survived by her children, Kelly Ellard, Killy Ellard, and Kimberly Prychodzko; and her grandchildren, Dustin Ramge, Brandon Prychodzko, Jackie Ellard, Sophia Ellard, and Matthew Ellard. She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings, Darwin, Melvin, Delyn, and Duane.

Jolene’s warmth, humor, and love will be deeply missed and forever remembered by those who knew her.