June 13, 1924 - September 23, 2021
Ellen Graue Farris Obituary Ferris, Ellen Graue July 13,1924-Sept 23,2021 Ellen Ferris died on September 23, at the age of 97, in Spokane after a life of service to her family and community. She was born in Coeur d�Alene Idaho to Lulu and C.O. Graue, who was manager of the Potlatch timber mill. Ellen grew up on the lakeshore of Coeur d�Alene and spent her childhood days biking and playing in the fort grounds. In 1945 Ellen earned her Masters degree from Mills College in early childhood development. She then worked in the New York preschool, Colony House South Brooklyn, which was a tall order for a young Norwegian girl from North Idaho. Ellen then returned home to Idaho and met her husband, Harry Ferris, whom she married in 1954. They built a home in Spokane, and raised three children: Katie, Hal and Margie. They attended St. Stephen�s Episcopal Church and the Cathedral of St. John. Harry died in 2008. Ellen and Harry had a wide circle of friends and loved their fall foliage trips around the area. Born with incredible energy and spunk Ellen was able to get many of us engaged in her lifetime of stories. She always considered herself �hip� and dressed in the latest classy styles. Her love of art and decorating brought many bright colors to her home. Growing up with the Campfire Girls, Ellen had many canoeing skills and practiced gunneling (bouncing on the canoe walls to make it move without a paddle) into her 70�s. At 80 years old she learned to kayak, paddling through the waves of Happy Cove, the location of their lake cabin on Lake Coeur d�Alene, which Harry built for the family. Ellen loved life, her family, friends, music, dancing and was an advocate for women�s issues. She had a deep desire to get things accomplished and make positive change and she did. Her involvement in the YWCA, United Way, Campfire, NW Museum of Arts and Culture, Spokane Symphony and Spokane Garden Club were her priorities. She was honored to receive many community service awards over the years including the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award and the Volunteer Achievement Award from Governor Evans. Ellen is survived by her children Katie Ferris, Hal (Carolynn)Ferris, and Margie (Mark)Pederson. She also has grandchildren: Brian, Dave and Tom Betts, Lindsay Dickston, Jeffrey and Andy Ferris, Jennifer and Amy Pederson. Great grandchildren: Henry, Charlie, Leo and Summer Betts, Ford and Palmer Samson, Cora and Joel Ferris, Peter, Cooper and Paisley Jackson. Ellen had one brother, Philip, who has passed. Our family would like to express our gratitude to the many hard-working caregivers at Rockwood Retirement Center, who knew her over 30 years. Memorial gifts may be made to the Spokane YWCA, Campfire, Spokane Symphony or the Museum of Arts and Culture in her name. A celebration of life will be held at a future time. Ellen�s favorite quote: �A woman is like a tea bag-you never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.� � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Ellen, please visit our Tree Stor
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