Violet Ell

1935 - 2020

Violet Otillia Ell of Grassy Lake, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Friday, October 16, 2020 at the age of 84 years.

 Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, October 22, 2020 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

 The private funeral mass was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Bow Island on Friday, October 23, 2020. Burial followed at the Assumption Cemetery, Grassy Lake. 

 Violet is survived by her children Valerie Ell of Lethbridge, Alanna (Jack) Schellhorn of Calgary, Roxane (Dwayne) Selvig of Lethbridge and Steven Ell Jr of Burdett and by one precious granddaughter Jaclyne Jaye Selvig of Lethbridge. She is also survived by a sister Rose Knibb; brothers Ben (Arliss) Gross, Marvin (Eileen) Gross and LaVern (Evelyn) Gross; sister-in-law Lorelei Gross as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

 She was predeceased by her husband Steve in 1998; baby daughter Virginia Lee in 1957; parents Hilda (nee Guenther) and Frank Gross; brothers Ernest Gross, Francis Gross and Duane Gross; brother-in-law Ron Knibb and by Steve’s immediate family.

 Violet was born October 20, 1935 in Lethbridge. She grew up on the family farm south of Grassy Lake. After Violet left home she worked for a short time before marrying Steve Ell on November 4, 1953. They moved four miles to the Ell family farm where she resided until the time of her passing. 

 Violet was an extremely talented seamstress. Sewing for her family and many friends and acquaintances, most times without using a pattern. She always said she had to sew because anything she bought did not fit. Violet loved to garden, whether it was flowers or vegetables, when she wasn’t helping with the farm work or house duties. Her yard was precious to her, she could often be seen riding her fleet of garden tractors tending to her yard. In winter when she couldn’t plant flowers she made artificial arrangements which still reside in the house today.

 Christmas was always a big event for mom. For many years she did extensive decorating inside and out and was recognized with awards.

 Violet was very involved in the community and church throughout her life. She was very involved in the C.W.L. holding many positions. Violet used her talents with embroidery work to make a satin banner for the Grassy Lake C.W.L. One of her favorite things to do was genealogy and history. Violet was on a few committees to help put together history books for various towns. Her biggest venture was the extensive history of the Gross and Ell families.

 Violet’s home became a second home to many relatives and the friends of her children. Everyone was always made to feel welcome. There was always plenty of home cooked meals and baking for everyone, nobody ever went home hungry.

Violet will be greatly missed by all.  As her health failed, she was no longer able to do many of the things she loved in life. She will now be reunited with Steve.  Rest in Peace.