Ellen Ruth Todd

Ellen was born on April 26, 1933 on “Penn Street” in Littleton, Colorado. She was born in the house next door to where she would reside all her adult life. Ellen passed away peacefully on August 2, 2023.

Ellen is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Todd. Wayne and Ellen were married on August 10, 1952. They were married over 68 years until his death in March 2021.

Ellen’s parents owned a chicken ranch and egg hatchery where she learned the meaning of hard work. Ellen graduated from Littleton High School in 1951. She worked at Red Bird Farms until her oldest daughter was born.

For most of her life, she enjoyed being a homemaker, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Ellen also enjoyed volunteer work and was an Aide for several years at the Gallup School – a school for the developmentally disabled.

Ellen also enjoyed volunteering at her church, Spirit of Hope (previously Englewood United Methodist) where she was a member for almost 50 years. She was chairman of the Memorial Committee, the Sew n’ Sew Women’s Circle, and volunteered many hours making and selling items for the bazaars.

Ellen was an excellent seamstress and made most of her, and her daughters’ clothes. She also made beautiful quilts, pillows and photo albums. Ellen also enjoyed painting. She had a successful craft business for several years, displaying her items at several craft boutiques, and participating in craft fairs.

Ellen had a passion for the history of Littleton and her beloved “Pickletown” - where she resided all her life. She compiled stories from previous residents and then authored A History of Pickletown. A copy resides in the Littleton History Museum and has been enjoyed by many neighbors throughout the years.

Ellen fulfilled two lifetime dreams after raising her family. First, she was proud to have completed two semesters of college at Arapahoe Community College. Her second dream was to learn to play the piano and organ. After several years of lessons, she enjoyed hours of playing these instruments.

Ellen and Wayne purchased the land next to her mother’s home. They worked side by side building their home. The original home was completed in 1958. Through the years, they added additions and garages to their property. They both loved working in their yard. Ellen had beautiful flower gardens. Her home and yard were always a place of peace for Ellen.

Ellen and Wayne also built a cabin in Grand Lake in the 1970’s. They spent many happy days and weekends working on their cabin. Many wonderful memories were made with the family enjoying the beauty of Grand Lake.

Ellen was a woman of extreme honesty and integrity who lived her life loving others and helping others wherever and whenever needed.

Ellen is survived by her daughters, Barbara “Bobbi” (Gary) Mastronardi; and Patricia “Patti” (Robert) Heggen. Four grandchildren; Joel (Raven) Kershaw and Jared Kershaw; Timothy (Mindy) Heggen and Kimberly (Ryan) Coquet. Ten great-grandchildren; Jack, Paul, Boden, Eli and Lilly Kershaw; Ethan, Madison and Dylan Heggen; and Makaye and Maycee Coquet.

The family would like to thank the neighbors on “Penn Street” for the many years of friendship, help and support. Ellen loved each of you.

We would also like to thank all of her “angels” with Visiting Angels who provided excellent and compassionate care for her during the past few months.

Services will be held Friday, August 11, 2023 at Spirit of Hope United Methodist Church, 4300 South Lincoln Street, Englewood, Colorado. The viewing will begin at 9:30am, followed by the memorial service at 10:00am. An Interment will immediately follow the service at Littleton Cemetery.