April 30, 2024

Ellen F. Gordon, 88, died April 19, 2015 at the Howard Twilight Manor in Howard. She was born on June 9, 1926 in Ashland, the daughter of Ross and Anna (Briggs) Hensley. 

Ellen was raised in Ashland and attended schools in both Ashland and Eureka. After completing high school, Ellen attended several colleges, including Kansas State University. On March 1, 1947, she married Bob Gordon. He preceded her in death on December 19, 2001. They moved to Copeland in 1966. Ellen taught school for one year, served as the lunchroom cook for USD 476, and was a dispatcher for Gray and Haskell County Sheriff offices. Her last venture was traveling to craft shows selling Ellen’s Jams and Jellies. 

She was a member of the United Methodist Church. 

Ellen is survived by two sons, Bobby Gordon of Copeland and Dan Gordon and wife Beth of Howard; two daughters, Chris Spanier and husband Virgil of Buena Vista, Colorado and Cherie Jantz and husband Ron of Goddard; one brother, John Hensley of Prescott, Arizona; nine grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and special friends, Sylvia Hilliard of Copeland and Juanita Anderson, her roommate at Howard Twilght Manor. In addition to her husband Robert, Ellen is preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Glen, Frank, and Ray. 

Memorial graveside service will be held at the Copeland Cemetery on Monday, May 4, 2015 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Bruce Titus presiding. There will be no visitation as cremation has taken place. Memorials are suggested to Copeland Senior Center in care of Swaim Funeral Chapel-PO Box 421-Montezuma, KS 67867. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.