Ellyn Renken

Ellyn M. Renken , 90, of Chadron, Nebraska, formerly of Crawford, passed away on November 12, 2018 at her home in Chadron, Nebraska.  At Ellen’s request, there will be no memorial service.  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Cancer Survivors Against Radon, CanSar at www.cansar.org.

Ellyn was born on October 16, 1928 in Chilton, Wisconsin. Ellyn married Dwaine Renken and had three daughters.  Dwain fell ill early in life, leaving Ellyn to raise their daughters, Edythe Camden, Suzanne Frank, and Sheryl Kobel.

When her daughters were grown Ellyn moved to Crawford, Nebraska where she assumed the roll of High School Secretary for many years. When hard times struck again, Ellyn, took the responsibility of raising her youngest daughter, Sheryl’s four oldest boys alone, Mathia, Quincy, Joseph, and Caleb.

In the early 1990’s Ellyn and her four grandsons began traveling with her daughter and grandson’s mother Sheryl, around the country.  A few years later, desiring a simpler life, she moved her grandsons back to Crawford, Nebraska to finish out their teen years.  Ellyn began working with young people, becoming the Librarian at the Crawford Public library.  After retiring from the Crawford Public Library, she moved to Chadron, Nebraska.

Everyone that knew Ellyn knew she was a loving and caring soul.  The best way to sum up Ellyn Mae’s life is simply this, she was selfless and self-sacrificing to no end.

She is survived by her three daughters, four grandsons she raised, and countless grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She will be sorely missed by all.  Her light will forever shine.