Grace Louise Ellwein, 95, Sidney, MT

Grace Louise Albert Ellwein was born to parents George and Anna (Ensign) Albert in Sidney, MT, on March 1, 1929. She was the youngest of the Albert family. She was a daddy's girl.

Grace was baptized on July 7, 1929, at the Scandia Lutheran Church Skaar, ND.

Her parents George and Anna homesteaded on the Maud Palmer Albert Homestead south of Sidney. Grace and her siblings attended the Gossett School which was 1 1/2 miles from the homestead. She told many stories of the long walk walks to school and Johnny would give her rides when her legs were too tired.

Grace met her future husband at the Trinity Lutheran Church, Sidney, while singing in the choir. They married on Dec. 5, 1947, in the church where they met and became lifelong members. To this union four children were born: Anthony Cedric, Earl Fredrick George Jr., Louise Marie, and Archer Dennis. Grace was a devoted mother.

Grace was active in her church Sunday School and 4-H chapters. She was honored and devoted at her church, where she gave communion for years. Grace was a well-known seamstress; she made clothes for her children, neighbor children, friends and family. She was honored to be asked to make wedding gowns. She was happy to be able to help celebrate new beginnings. She loved crocheting, quilting, knitting and reading - she would lose herself in her books. She was a collector of dolls and Christmas ornaments which she passed on to her daughter

After her children were grown, Grace moved to Bozeman, MT, in 1975 with her daughter Louise to obtain her degree. She was very proud of her college degree.

Grace then moved with her daughter to Roundup, MT, before returning to Sidney. Widowed in December 1999, Grace carried on life in the path of the Lord. Faith kept her going. She stayed very active in church, LWML, served in a Zone office, and was always volunteering quietly. She was a hard worker and a leader in spring cleaning at the church. She was active with Sunday School and daily devotions. She was very active in collecting goods and delivering them to the Orphan Grain train.

She took care of her daughter Lousie with the help of her friend Connie, after Louise was diagnosed with cancer. After Lousie passed, Grace moved into the Crestwood Inn where she lived until her final days. Grace loved her little apartment and all her dear friends at Crestwood. She enjoyed bingo, pie socials, and coffee dates with her dear friends. When Earl Jr. moved into Crestwood, Grace was delighted to have her "Big Boy" as she called him, living next door. They shared Sunday morning breakfast and church sermons on the TV. She always lit up when Earl would visit. When childhood friend Elizabeth Wheeling (Hatter) moved into Crestwood, Grace and Elizabeth spent a lot of time together telling stories of their childhood, spending holidays together and having dinners together.

Grace would love her many visits from niece Alice and letters from Joyce. Grace spent endless hours with Kandi, her caregiver, and Kandi's family. Kandi and Grace would take drives around town to see the changes, making stops at Dairy Queen for strawberry shakes, but only in the summer, because there was no way Grace was going out in the cold. Kandi was a part of Grace's life for over 10 years, day in and day out the two would share many stories. Grace was part of the Case family, and she loved Kandi's grandbabies and enjoyed their visits and sneaking Waylon treats under the table. Kandi and her husband Tim were there to the very last breath, reading cards and letters from nieces Joyce and Alice.

Grace was an amazing lady; she was a bit spicy and a whole lot of sweet. She was genuine and lived her life just as she wanted.

Grace Louise Ellwein peacefully passed away on Friday Sept. 20, 2024, at the Sidney Health Center, Sidney, MT at the age of 95.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 52 years, Earl Milton Ellwein; her children, Anthony, Earl Jr, Louise, and Archer; her parents George and Anna (Ensign) Albert; and siblings William, Lewis, John, and Irene and half-sister Lovisa.

She is survived by several cousins, nieces and nephews, many friends and her care giver and friend Kandi and family.