Ellen
Anderson Seedall, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 26, 2024, at Eastern
Idaho Regional Medical Center.
She was born on July 16, 1941, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Stanley and
Glenice Anderson. She left a profound and lasting legacy of love, kindness, and
service. As the second oldest of five sisters—Cora Lea, Charla, Reva, and
Eunice—Ellen's early years were filled with the joys of sisterhood and the
strong family values that shaped her character. She graduated from Madison High
School, and later attended Ricks College where her deep sense of empathy and
hard work became evident in everything she pursued.
In 1963, Ellen married the love of her life, Gary Lynn Seedall,
in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their marriage was not just a union of hearts but a
partnership built on shared faith, love, and adventure. Together, they built a
beautiful life in the Mud Lake and Idaho Falls area where they raised their two
children, Teri Ellen (Collin) Prince and Nathan Gary (Cindy) Seedall. Ellen
cherished her role as a mother above all else in life, pouring her love into
her children and nurturing them with endless support and wisdom that continued
to her last breath. Her love for each was evident in all she said and
did.
As her family grew, so did her legacy of love. Ellen was a proud
grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Shelbi (Andrew) Bailey, Victoria (Justin)
Jenkins, Madeleine (Austin) Prince-Richards, Nicholas (Cassidy) Seedall,
Abigail (Brady) Meacham, Ryan (Kanryn) Prince, Natalie Seedall, Andie Prince,
Lucas Seedall, Cameron Seedall, and Bo Prince; and four step-grandsons: Craig,
Trent, Bryce, and Max Butikofer. She adored each of them with the same kindness
and warmth she gave to her children, always eager to listen, guide, and
embrace. She spent many hours teaching her grandchildren sewing, crafts, and
cooking skills, and never had anything but kind and encouraging words for each
of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren would frequently call or visit her
knowing they would be uplifted by her love and kind words for doing so. She
blessed their lives immensely. Her love further extended to 14 great
grandchildren: Ellen, Henry, Benjamin, and Wallace Bailey; Hudson, Allison,
Carter, and Grace Jenkins; Thomas, Miller-Layne, and Isla Prince; James and
William Seedall; and Lucille Meacham.
Ellen's life was rich with passions that brought her joy and
fulfillment. She loved quilting, sewing, floriculture, and antiques, all of
which reflected her attention to detail and appreciation for beauty. She had a
particular fondness for puzzles and embarked on spontaneous road trips and
adventures with Gary, creating cherished memories of laughter, exploration, and
love. She was deeply committed to her community and spent many years on the Mud
Lake City Council where she was instrumental in the development of the Mud Lake
City Building, library, and tennis courts. Ellen also spent many years working
at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Hunter Farm Supply & Grain Elevator,
and later at Idaho Falls OBGYN, where she earned the admiration of her
colleagues for her strong work ethic and generosity toward others.
Her faith was the solid anchor of her life. As a devout member
of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ellen exemplified the
teachings of Christ through her constant acts of love and charity. She was a
woman of great spiritual strength who always strived to see the best in others.
Her love for the Lord was mirrored in her love for her family, whom she placed
above all else.
Ellen was known for her boundless generosity, kindness, and
grace. She often told her children and grandchildren, "Be kind,"
words that encapsulate the essence of her character. She never hesitated to
lend a hand or offer support to anyone in need, and her home was always a place
of warmth and comfort. Visits to grandma's home were cause for joy in each of
the grandchildren she loved so much. Ellen had a unique ability to make
everyone feel special and loved, and her kindness touched the lives of all who
knew her.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Gary; her parents,
Stanley and Glenice Anderson; her sisters, Charla Lichtenberg, Reva Johnson,
and Eunice Tsantis; and her great grandson, Henry David Bailey. Ellen left this
world surrounded by her loving family. Her departure was one of peace as she
looked forward to reuniting with her family and her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ellen Anderson Seedall's life was a testament to faith, family,
and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and
grace that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. Her
impact on the world, especially on the lives of her children, grandchildren,
and great grandchildren, will never be forgotten. She was, and always will be,
a shining example of what it means to live a life full of love, service, and
faith.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November
2, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will
visit with friends Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from
10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to services, both visitations at the funeral
home. Burial will be in the Burton Cemetery.