Eleanore Mary Helfen (Ellie) Miller
Eleanore Mary Helfen (Ellie) Miller, age 78, was an accomplished homemaker, friend, mother and teacher. Born November 20, 1938, to John and Mary Helfen, both deceased, she was a graduate of Hammond High School (IN) and Kalamazoo College (MI). Ellie married her college sweetheart, Gary Miller, in 1961. They recently celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Ellie was the mother of two children with Gary: Sarah Miller Jobe, who resides in Ohio, and Leon Miller, who resides in Texas. She is survived by them, grandchildren Scott and Katy Jobe of Ohio, sister Erna Stiller (Wayne) of New Hampshire, brother Richard Helfen (Debby) of Indiana, several nieces, myriad cousins, former son-in-law Ray Jobe of Ohio, and her favorite aunt, Loretta Krawczyk, who resides in Indiana.
An interest in the Spanish language began in high school and followed her throughout her life in formal classes and "clases particulares," which she and others organized. Ellie taught in elementary schools in various locations until she became a mother. After her children reached high school, she returned to teaching as an English-as-a-Second Language teacher working with children of Hispanic, Chinese, Kurdish, Russian and other ethnicities. She was recognized as an excellent ESL teacher. Gary’s employment with IBM and a tour in the U. S. Army took them to many locations in the country including both coasts and twice to Texas. Their seventh move occurred in 1997, when they moved to New Mexico and, in 1998, built their home in Corrales. Ellie became a volunteer reading teacher at E. G. Ross Elementary, Alameda Elementary and Alvarado Elementary schools. She was also active with the Corrales Cultural Arts Council, where she served on the board of trustees.
Ellie passed away Friday, September 15, from complications of a Parkinson’s-like disease. Her family wishes to extend their appreciation to her companion for the last two years, Kate Haway, without whose support we would have been lost; Drs. Amanda Deligtisch, Carole Mazurowski and Deanna Mercer for the professional and loving care she received from them; Heartland Hospice staff members who ensured she was comfortable in recent weeks; and we thank Christianna Lopez and the staff at Bee Hive Homes in Bernalillo for their attentive and affectionate care of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend over the past 16 months.
Memorial gifts may be made to Kalamazoo College (MI) or to a charity of your choosing. To view information or leave a condolence please visit www.danielsfuneral.com Daniels Family Funeral
Services 4310 Sara Road SE Rio Rancho, NM 87124
505-892-9920