Ellen Georgene Jess

Ellen Georgene Jess, 87, of Grand View, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Ellen’s family and friends are invited to join in a celebration of her life at the Oreana Community Hall on Friday, January 3rd at 2pm. Cremation is under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Ellen was born on October 2, 1937, in Shoshone, Idaho. She was the youngest of 4 children and the only girl of Albert LeRoy and Edith Anna Knigge. She grew up with her family farming back and forth between Shoshone and Glenns Ferry. Ellen graduated from Shoshone High School in 1955.

In 1953, Ellen met George Jess at the Midway Dance Hall in Hagerman. They were married on July 3, 1955, in Shoshone.

Ellen and George spent their entire married life in Owyhee County. She worked odd jobs supporting her family and raising her kids. She started her career as a paraprofessional at the Grand View Elementary School and worked many different jobs at the school for nearly 30 years before she retired in 2003. She also sold Avon for many years.

Ellen was an excellent gardener and quilter. She and George took great pride in their garden and she enjoyed being out working in the dirt. She loved to cook and could make an entire meal out of things from their garden. She spent a lot of time at the Senior Center with her Tuesday Quilter’s group.

Ellen was most proud of her family. She enjoyed spending time with them, especially the grandkids (greats too!) any time she had the opportunity. 

Ellen is survived by her four children, Tony, Tim, Lori, Katie and their spouses, 14 grandchildren and their spouses, 33 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren with a third one on the way, one brother, Harry, and her sister and brother in law Ann and Alvin Smith.

She was preceded in death by her husband George, her parents, two brothers, her in-laws and many other friends and loved ones.