Ellen Faye SPEAR

1938 - 2024

Ellen passed peacefully at home on October 14, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. Her huge heart, generous spirit, and unwavering love for her family will be greatly missed. Her favorite place to be with family or with her hands in the dirt in her flower beds.

Ellen was born the third of four children on March 21, 1938, in Ransom, Kansas to LeRoy and Gertrude (Nellie) Nimz. She spent her early years in Ransom and Hoisington, Kansas before her family moved to Pueblo, Colorado. She graduated high school in 1956 in Pueblo, CO, where she loved spending summers on her grandparents' farm.

She had a son, Steve A.S. Spear, with her first husband in 1958. In 1961, she married Daryl W. Spear; he had two sons, Robert and Mark. Ellen, Daryl, and Steve soon moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. In 1969, they welcomed a daughter, Courtney Spear. They made wonderful memories and many longtime friends and hosted numerous neighborhood parties.

In 1981, Ellen and her family moved to Spokane Valley. She instantly felt at home and loved all the natural beauty and fertile earth. She was an avid gardener and loved creating a beautiful garden for her friends and family to enjoy. She even had some flowers and trees that started out on her grandma's farm. Ellen loved giving people starts from her garden and any gardening advice they needed.

For the past 30 years, she cooked a weekly dinner for four generations of her family. Ellen and Daryl would also have their grandkids for sleepovers on Friday nights while they were growing up. It was a treat for the grandkids, now in their 30s and 40s, and their parents to have a free night! She also enjoyed hosting holiday and neighborhood celebrations. She read at least 10 books a month and did her crossword puzzles in ink.

Ellen was preceded in death by her son, Steve; her husband, Daryl, who passed after 49 years of marriage; her brothers, Robert and Richard Nimz; and her stepson, Robert Spear.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Courtney Spear, former son-in-law, Steve Davenport; granddaughter, Alejandra Smith (Norel); grandson, Micah Davenport; granddaughter, Sarah Spear (Laura); stepson, Mark Spear (Karen); granddaughter, Emily Christensen (Kirt); grandson, Ryan Spear (Angela); granddaughter, Jessica Madsen (Josh); grandson, Jonathan Spear (Michelle); grandson, Cameron Spear (Rachelle); sister, Billie Everhart; as well as her adored 26 great-grandchildren, who called her "Gg". Ellen will be greatly missed for her open heart and welcoming home. Her greatest legacy is the love and life she created for her family.

A celebration of Ellen's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Hennessey Valley Funeral Home, 1315 N. Pines Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99206.

Please share your cherished memories of Ellen on her tribute wall at www.HennesseyValley.com.