Mary Carolyn Ellingson

A much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Mary Carolyn (Danielson) Ellingson of Roland, Iowa, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Visitation for family and friends will be held from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home (1418 Fawcett Pkwy) in Nevada with funeral services to follow at 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Tom Poppe and Chaplin Jim Mead officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at McCallsburg Cemetery in McCallsburg, Iowa, and Fell Cemetery in Libertyville, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established and they may be made to Phil Ellingson and mailed to Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home c/o Carolyn Ellingson Family, 1418 Fawcett Pkwy, Nevada, IA 50201.
Carolyn was born on July 31, 1940, at home in Libertyville, Iowa, to Clifford and Martha (Barker) Danielson. She graduated from Fairfield High School and was a devoted mother to her son, Douglas Danielson. Carolyn worked as a bookkeeper at Winfrey Electric and later at United Federal Savings Bank in Fairfield.
On April 7, 1984, she married Phillip Ellingson at the Birmingham Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, Iowa. She and Phil created a beautiful life together. Carolyn embraced farm life with devotion and grace. Her gardens bloomed with vibrant color, a reflection of her generous spirit and eye for beauty. Whether it was tending to her garden or preparing a home-cooked meal for Phil, to deliver to a neighbor, or the visiting family and friends. Carolyn found joy in the simple, meaningful moments that made up a life well lived. She generously volunteered her time at several nursing homes, the McCallsburg Presbyterian Church, and McCallsburg American Legion Auxiliary.
Carolyn was known for her warmth, hospitality, and culinary talents. She delighted in cooking and baking, always eager to host family and friends for holidays and special occasions. Her home was a place of comfort, laughter, and delicious meals.
She found joy in traveling, attending musical concerts, quilting, and playing dominos with loved ones. Carolyn stayed active in her community, especially with her water aerobics group and the coffee gatherings that followed.
She was always ready to lend a hand, never asking for help herself. Her heart of gold touched everyone who knew her, and her kindness will be remembered for generations.
She is deeply missed by her husband, Phil of Roland; daughter-in-law Roberta Danielson of Fairfield; grandchildren Adam Danielson of Des Moines, Brian (Tori) Danielson of Manchester, NH, and John Danielson of Fairfield; and great-grandson, Nolan Danielson.
Also surviving are her siblings Jessie (Ralph) Caves of Douds; Linda (Jim) Dougherty of Libertyville; and Carl (Sandy) Danielson of Buffalo, WY; sisters-in-law Chris Danielson and Evelyn Danielson, both of Fairfield; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her son, Doug Danielson; parents, Clifford and Martha Danielson; and brothers, Bob and John Danielson.
Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Carolyn. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.rasmussonfh.com.