Ellen Rae Smit passed away peacefully on Sept. 25, 2023, at the age of 76 while in memory care in Roseville, Minnesota.
Ellen was born on Dec. 1, 1946, in Luverne, Minnesota, to Alex and Elizabeth Aanenson. At the age of 18 she began her working career at Plymouth Christian Youth Center in Minneapolis, from where she ultimately retired.
Ellen was a loving mother to two sons, Paul (Heather) and David (Carla), and adored her seven granddaughters Kayla, Alicia, RaeAnne, Salena, Lucille, Virginia, and Khali. Also surviving, are brothers Gregory (Laura) and Mark (Gloria), and ex-husband Virgil.
She was preceded in death by her parents and older brother Gary.
There will be a celebration of her life on Friday, Oct. 6, from 5-8 p.m. at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Edina (7110 France Ave. S.). She will then be laid to rest on Saturday, Oct. 7, at 4 p.m. at Maplewood cemetery in Luverne, Minnesota.
Memorials are preferred for the kids at Plymouth Christian Youth Center, 2210 Oliver Avenue North, Minneapolis, MN 55411, or at www.pcyc-mpls.org.