Ellen L. Mcgavin

Ellen Louis McGavin, 89, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2016 at Sanford Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Fargo, ND, surrounded by her loving family. A nurturing, thoughtful loving and caring woman, Ellen is survived by son, Bruce McGavin, Fargo, ND, and grandsons Jared, Joshua and Jordan McGavin, also of Fargo, ND. She is also survived by her brother, William C. (Curlee) Stephens of Palakta, Florida. She was preceded in death by her son Gordon (Butch) W. McGavin, brother, James W. Stephens and sister, Julia Mariam Wallace of Augusta, GA.

Ellen was born May 15, 1927 in Sandersville, Georgia to Charlie and Bernice Stephens. She went to Tubman High School in Augusta, Georgia and attended Fergus Falls Jr. College. She was united in marriage with James Gordon (Mac) McGavin on January 7, 1944 in Augusta, GA. They were married 45 years until his passing on August 23, 1989.

After getting married, Ellen moved to Fordville, ND where she and Mac lived on a farm. They moved to Grand Forks after son Bruce was born. They lived and raised their family there and then moved to West Battle Lake when they retired.

Ellen worked at the 1st National Bank in Grand Forks for many years and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks. When she moved to West Battle Lake, she worked at the Battle Lake Nursing Home and volunteered in the Fergus Falls school system reading to elementary school children. The last 2 years of her life she spent living at Bethany on 42nd in Fargo. While being cared for by the wonderful staff she enjoyed playing cards and socializing with the other residents.

Ellen loved life and was very devoted to her family. She loved reading, painting, writing, old movies and jigsaw puzzles. She loved animals especially her dog Schtzee and cats Powder and Tangey. She enjoyed living at the lake in her retirement and loved having her grandchildren visit.

Ellen touched many lives as she was an amazing Mom and Grandma and her son and grandchildren will forever cherish the times they spent together.

Memorials are preferred to Maine Presbyterian Church, 30761 Co. Hwy. 45, Underwood, MN 56586.

*Burial will take place at 2pm on Saturday, December 3, 2016 at Grand Forks Memorial Park*