Stella “Jean” Ellenwood, 70, of Sheridan, passed away on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at the University of Colorado Hospital.

A Celebration of Jean’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Sheridan, Wyoming, April 8, 2017 at 4:00p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wyoming M.S. Society or to the First Baptist Church Building fund at 3179 Big Horn Ave. Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.

 

 

One of Sheridan’s most radiant lights, Stella “Jean” (Bentzen) Ellenwood wasreunited with her husband in heaven on March 29, 2017 at the age of 70. 

Jean graced this world with her presence on November 7, 1946. She was born in Sheridan, Wyoming to Richard Jean Bentzen and Vivian Gail (Laub) Bentzen and was the proud little sister of Marilee. She graduated from Sheridan High School in 1965.

She attended the University of Wyoming where she majored in Music.After College Jean toured for one year with one of the first groups of Up With People. She spent time in the United States and four months in Scandinavia. In herdiary she tells about singing duets and sitting on the bus with her friend, Glenn Close,whom she lovingly referred to as, “Glenny.”Jean married the love of her life, Kenneth Lloyd Ellenwood, after his mother hadasked Jean if she would write to Ken while he was in the army. He came home on leave and they had their first date. Jean fondly shared how she and her mother stood in the window and giggled at the sight of this six foot four cowboy unfolding himself out of his Volkswagon Bug. They were joined in marriage at the First Baptist Church in Sheridan on February 23, 1969. Jean’s first job was at Hershes Cafe as a bus girl but she was soon promoted to cook (big surprise). She worked at a donut shop, as a “Night Mother,” at the Girl School, as a teacher’s aide at Highland Park Elementary, and at Sheridan Stationery Book Store ,but the job she was most proud of was taking care of her beloved Ken. Jean was a member of First Baptist Church and Chapter T PEO. She enjoyed singing, acting, crafts, decorating, reading, ping pong, pickle ball, and traveling. Her trips with the “Bluebirds,” brought out a more wild side in Jean where she was know to travel across large cities in her pajamas, zip line, and parasail.

She has been described by a friend as, “The Queen of England meets Erma Bombeck. She would come to a lunch date impeccably dressed and soon start telling a silly story, crossing her eyes and making hilarious faces.” Jean will be remembered for her funny antics on stage, her beautiful singing voice, and her love of people. She touched so many lives because of her kindness and willingness to help those she came in contact with, but her smile and her laughter will be missed most of all.

Jean leaves behind her daughter Nicky (Kevin) Legerski and grandson Ashton, daughter Janell (Justin) Hulford and grandchildren Kendra, Brandi, Kenneth, and Bowen. Her sister Marilee Myers of Lake City, FL and numerous cousins, nieces andnephews.

Special thanks to Denver International Airport, the loving staff at The University of Colorado Hospital, and all the generous people who have so graciously supported us during this time.

A Celebration of Jean’s life will be held at First Baptist Church in Sheridan,Wyoming, April 8, 2017 at 4:00p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Wyoming M.S.

Society or to the First Baptist Church Building fund at 3179 Big Horn Ave. Sheridan,

Wyoming 82801.

Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.

Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Sheridan & Johnson County Obituaries