Ellen Thompson, age 102, of Mahnomen, MN, died Tuesday, October 5, 2010 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Ellen Imogene Pearson, the daughter of Andrew and Cecilia (Hofstrand) Pearson, was born May 7, 1908 near Brinsmade, ND. She grew up helping on the family farm near Harlow, MN. Ellen attended country school until the sixth grade and then moved with her family into Brinsmade continuing her studies at public school. After returning to the farm, Ellen completed her education, graduating from at Benson County Agriculture School in 1926. She received her teacher's certificate and taught one year at a country school near Harlow. She helped on the family farm and worked for a neighboring couple while she was courting a local boy, Lester Thompson. Lester and Ellen were united in marriage on November 15, 1934 and made their first home on a farm near Campbell, MN. While raising her children, Ellen worked on the farm, raised hogs, had a large garden, and did a considerable amount of sewing. In 1949, the family moved to Mahnomen where they continued to farm together. From 1962 until 1968, Ellen managed the Midtown Motel in Mahnomen. They sold their farm in early 60's and eventually moved into Mahnomen, where she managed the motel and worked as a cook at the Mahnomen Public School. Following her retirement in 1975, Ellen provided childcare for the Amundson family for several years. After, Lester's sudden death in 1975, Ellen remained in her home until the early 2000's when she moved into the Welle apartments where she lived independently until the age of 95. She has made her home at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home for the past seven years.


Ellen was always very involved in the community and donated so much of her time. Over the years, she was active with the 4-H organization, the Homemakers Club, and the Garden Club. She also took part in knitting and crochet groups where she shared her talents by teaching others. She loved doing crafts and spent many hours perfecting old skills and learning new projects. Ellen was a member of Circles of Faith United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN, where she proudly belonged to the Primetimers group. She also enjoyed traveling, taking trips to Hawaii, Florida, Nashville, and Branson. In 1984, Ellen co-founded the Senior Craft Shop in Mahnomen as well as the Helping Hands Food Shelf. She was the recipient of the Golden Deeds Award and had been recognized as Mahnomen County's Outstanding Senior Citizen. Her kindness and generosity touched so many hearts.


Ellen is survived by two sons, Loren (Kim) Thompson of Brooklyn Park, MN and Lanny (Diane) Thompson of Minnetonka, MN; three daughters: LaVerne (Marvin) Colness of Sedona, AZ, Corrine Klabunde of Dent, MN and Arlene (Darrell) Costain of West Fargo, ND; a sister, Esther Larson of Devils Lake, ND; 11 grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lester; two great grandchildren; a brother, Ervin; six sisters: Alma, Anna, Ethel, Minnie, Ada and Leola.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 10:30 am at Circles of Faith United Church of Christ in Waubun, MN. Visitation will be Friday, October 8, 2010 from 5-7 pm with a 6:30 pm prayer service at Anderson-Mattson Funeral Home in Mahnomen.


Interment will be at Riverside Memorial Park Cemetery in Mahnomen.