Ellen Carolyn Brooks

Ellen Carolyn Brooks, age 86, a lifelong resident of La Grande, died October 23, 2009 at her home. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday October 29 at 2:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center, 1502 7th Street in La Grande. Committal and interment will follow at the Island City Cemetery. Following the interment there will be a gathering at the La Grande Country Club. A viewing will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Daniels~Knopp.

Mrs. Brooks was born on December 16, 1922, the daughter of James A. and Rhoda (Price) Garity in La Grande. She was a direct descendent of Ben Brown, one of the first settlers in the valley. She was educated in La Grande and Enterprise, graduating from Enterprise High School. She moved to Portland with her family after high school, where she went to Northwest Business School and worked in the shipyards. She met the love of her life George W. Brooks and they married April 9th, 1943. They settled in La Grande following WWII and started a painting business that evolved into a construction business. During this time they owned Coleman Hardware Store, operated a cattle ranch and farm. After Georges' passing in 1963, Ellen went to Eastern Oregon University, working for the First National Bank, Kaman Bearings, and then working from 1978 until her death for her sons painting business as a bookkeeper.

Ellen will always be remembered for being a devoted mother and grandmother, who always showed great patience, guidance, support, compassion, and unconditional love for everyone. She also had a wonderful sensor of humor and always had a positive outlook. She took great pride in her family and her ability to add to their happiness.
She was a member of the LDS Church, and the Eagles Auxiliary. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, fishing, camping, playing cards, and riding in the car around the valley.

Survivors include children, Robert and Candy Brooks, Carolyn Caswell and Marilyn Brooks, all of La Grande; grandchildren, Kathleen Brooks, Tyler and Sarah Brooks, Andy Brooks, Cody and Abigail Cupper; great grandchildren, Tawnie, Crystal, JJ Horst, Ethan, Cy, and Tess Cupper; great great grandchild, Dayton Paul; and her special cousin Micaela Kay Sutphin; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a son, Wayne, at birth.

Those who wish may make contributions in her memory to the charity of one's choice in care of Daniels~Knopp.

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