Ellen L. Clendenin died at home March 12, 2007, after a courageous three year battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 56.

She was born Feb. 26, 1951 in Gary, the daughter of Arthur Rattray, who survives in Merritt Island, Fla., and Clara (Wolfe) Rattray, who preceded her in passing in 2001.

She is survived by her husband of 33 years, Wayne W. Clendenin; their children, Deanna (Tom) Brueggert, Wayne M. Robert and Jonathan.; cherished grandchildren, Kaitlynn, Holly and Tommy Brueggert, Joshua Brueggert and Chloe Clendenin.

She is also survived by her family, including sisters, Barbara Julian of Hobart and Kathy (Mike) Patrick of Durham, N.C.; mother-in-law, Alma (late Ralph) Clendenin and sisters-in-law, Donna (Ron) Dunbar and Martha (Tony) Campolattara and brother-in-law, Dean (Betty) Clendenin and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Ellen spent the past 12 years driving bus #5 for the Duneland School Corporation. She really enjoyed her bus “kids” as they grew up and moved on. She leaves many special friends throughout the Duneland community who were very supportive during her illness.

A member of the Chesterton United Methodist Church, she taught Sunday school and visited the homebound. She volunteered for the Girl Scouts, and was an 11 year member of the Cub Scouts, working as den mother, assistant den mother and awards chairperson.

Ellen was a graduate of the last class of Liberty Twp. High School (1969), where she was selected to the National Honor Society. She was an avid reader and enjoyed crossword puzzles, counted cross stitch, gardening, canning, cooking and sewing. She loved animals, and received much comfort from her “grand-dogs”: Wolfie, Foxy and Pixie.

The family wishes to thank the wonderful and supportive doctors, co-workers and friends who gave so much during her battle. Also, the VNA Hospice care givers were truly saints during her final weeks.

A memorial service, Rev. Terry Rhine officiating, will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17 at Chesterton Methodist Church, Second St. and Porter Ave., Chesterton.

Ellen requested memorials be made to the church.

Posted 3/14/2007