Ellen was born in Lonepine, Montana on Nov. 14, 1925, along with her twin brother, Henry, to Frank and Jessie Hillman.
She attended Lonepine Public Schools and graduated in 1944. In 1948, Ellen obtained her teaching degree from Eastern Washington State College, now Eastern Washington University, in Cheney. She began her teaching career in Colville, fiWashington, teaching first grade. It was there she met her future husband, Walt Mower.
Ellen and Walt were married in 1953. They had two daughters, Joanne and Donna. The young family moved to Winlock in 1961 to start a dairy farm with registered Holsteins.
During her teaching career, she taught first grade in Colville, Spokane, Castle Rock and Winlock. She loved teaching and her young pupils. She retired in 1984 and volunteered in the first grades for several years after.
Ellen was involved with the Lewis County Holstein Club, Lewis County Dairy Wives and Winlock Lion’s Club. She attended the Winlock Library Book Club for many years. In her later years, she enjoyed the company of friends at the Winlock Senior Center. Ellen attended the Winlock United Methodist Church until her death.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Walt; brother, Henry; daughter, Donna; and sister, Dorothy Stebbins. She is survived by her daughter, Joanne Graves; spouse, Gary; granddaughter, Fawne Graves; and nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Nov. 18, 2023, at the Winlock United Methodist Church. A potluck reception will follow.
Memorials may be sent to Winlock United Methodist Church or Hope Alliance in Centralia.
