Eleanor Ellefson

March 7, 1918 - August 18, 2017

Visitation: Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday, August 27 from 5-8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.

Service: Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 at Lone Rock Lutheran Church, rural Flandreau, SD.

Ellefson paper        Eleanor Julia Ellefson was born on March 7, 1918 in Benton County, MN to George and Ruby (Haskins) Herbert.  She married Richard Ellefson on January 29, 1939.  They farmed for 3 years in Pipestone County, MN and moved to the family farm in Lone Rock Township Moody County, SD for nearly 50 years.  In 1990 they moved to Canton, SD.  Eleanor lived at the Good Samaritan Center in Canton for 2 years.  She passed away August 18, 2017 at the age of 99 years, 5 months, and 11 days.

          She was a member of the Lone Rock Lutheran Church and Cemetery Association, as well as a Sunday school teacher, active ladies aide member, and church council member.  She was also a member of the Senior Citizen Center of Canton, Sons of Norway, and RSVP.  Eleanor was an avid quilter and doll collector.

          Eleanor is lovingly remembered by her two daughters Ruth Jones (James) of Canton, SD; Bernice Ruiz (Ernest) of Minneapolis, MN; Daughter-in-law June Hunter of Flandreau, SD; three sons Ralph Ellefson (Nancy) of North Branch, MN; James Ellefson (Marge) of Audubon, IA; Douglas Ellefson (LaVon) of Siebert, CO; brother Eugene Herbert of Foreston, MN; 18 Grandchildren; 30 Great Grandchildren; and 10 Great-Great Grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands- Richard Ellefson (1993) and Kenneth Toft (2007); her son, Alvin Ellefson; twin infant sons, Gerald and George; three brothers, Vernon, Gerald, and Donald; and her sister, Joyce.

          Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017 at Lone Rock Lutheran Church, rural Flandreau, SD.   Visitation, with family present, will be Sunday, August 27 from 5-8 p.m. at Anderson Funeral Home in Canton, SD.  Memorials may be directed to the Lone Rock Lutheran Church Historical Society or the Lone Rock Cemetery Association.

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6 messages have been left

  1. Jennifer Ellefson on August 19, 2017 said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was such a classy and loving lady. Hold onto all the great memories! Hugs to all.

  2. Steven Russel Herbert on August 20, 2017 said:

    I have some great and lasting memories of visiting the farm in South Dakota as a child. There are no words to describe what a special woman my Aunt Eleanor was. A life well lived to be sure. My sincerest condolences to my cousins and Eleanor’s extended family. Steve Herbert

  3. Rhonda Christensen Plummer on August 20, 2017 said:

    My very deepest sympathy to the family of Eleanor. She was a very nice lady & good neighbor. I enjoyed talking with her at church & also many days over coffee. She will be missed by many. RIP Eleanor.

  4. Solveig Hyland Carlson on August 23, 2017 said:

    Bernice, and other family members,
    I share your sadness in the death of your Mom. No matter how long they’ve lived, the death of a mother leaves a special void. I hope that you have happy memories that will bring you cherished keepsakes! My prayers are with you as you grieve her passing and give thanks for her life!

  5. Lynore Ellen Close on August 26, 2017 said:

    My deepest condolences to the Ellefson/Herbert Clan. My Aunt Eleanor was that special person that will be missed by so many. I loved the time that I was able to spend with her at the farm. Helping with the milking, of course I got in the way, riding cousin Ralph’s horse that bucked his brother off, and the special present she gave me for Confirmation. She was by far the strongest, Christian women to look up to in life. She lived a very long, wonderful, rich and blessed life. She is now in Heaven with the family by her side.
    Love to you all. Lynore (Joyce’s oldest daughter)

  6. Lorinda Schipper Bell on August 28, 2017 said:

    My thoughts and prayers are with you all. She was a warm, gracious woman and wonderful Godmother.
    My folks were very close with Richard and Eleanor. I have many great memories of playing on their farm.