Obituary of Ellen Mae Haugsdahl

Ellen Mae Haugsdahl, age, 74, of Millcreek Twp., passed away on Wednesday March 15, 2017 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 3, 1942 to Walter Reynolds and Phyllis Sophia Irwin Reynolds Grappy (Grandma Grappy). When Ellen was nine years old her father was killed in a trucking accident. Being the oldest of four children she was the main caretaker of her three younger siblings, while her mother worked to support the family. Her siblings lovingly nicknamed her the "Sarge". In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her son Reginald Van Haugsdahl; two brothers, Walter Reynolds and Thomas Reynolds; one sister Nancy Younger; nephew John (Jay) Hadley, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Arne Haugsdahl and Mary (Chizmadia) Haugsdahl, one sister-in-law Gail Haugsdahl Groenendaal and all her beloved aunts and uncles. On March 19, 1960, she married her best friend and the love of her life Ronald K. Haugsdahl, Sr. who she met at the Chestnut Street pool. She was a loving and supportive wife raising five children. Ellen never missed a play, concert, or sporting event her children participated in. No one loved their family more than Ellen. Her love of family not only included her immediate family but also, extended family and friends. There was always an open door for anyone who came to visit. All were welcomed with love, good conversation, a hot cup of coffee and something to eat, whether they were hungry or not. Ellen was a great conversationalist, excellent listener and giver of advice. To her family, she was known as "command central" and was vigilant in keeping them updated on each other's lives. She spent years researching her various family trees. Her goal was to make sure all family members knew their family history and have the information passed on to future generations. She learned to communicate with friends and family through Facebook where she continued to connect everyone together by sharing stories and photos from her years of research. Ellen loved to educate all who would listen about politics and government. Anyone who wasn't a democrat was in for a history lesson or at least a good debate. She loved traveling to Myrtle Beach, Hawaii, Canada and her and Ron even experienced a weekend at the Jamboree in the Hills, where they got their Cadillac stuck in the mud. Ellen and Ron spent many weekends with their family at Presque Isle on their boat the White Rhino. Holidays were Ellen's favorite time of the year. She enjoyed shopping, wrapping gifts, and decorating. She also enjoyed trying new recipes, baking and was the keeper of the traditional Lutefisk and Granny Grappy's fudge recipes. During her teen years, she worked at the family restaurant the Kearsarge Snack Bar with her best friend Margaret Tallmadge, where they shared many good times and funny stories. Later in life she worked at the Eagle's Club with her mother and Hills Department Store, again with Margaret. She is survived by her husband, Ronald K. Haugsdahl; their children, Ingrid Haugsdahl Wood (David Wood), Ronald Haugsdahl, Jr. (Denise Hamblett), Hope Haugsdahl Smith (Bradley Swogger) Goudren Haugsdahl Waterhouse and son in law John Waterhouse; five grandchildren, Darren Smith, Sari Ann Smith (Duane Mong), Gunnar Smith, Disa Haugsdahl and Sofie Haugsdahl; seven great-grandchildren, Alivia Smith, Caleb Smith, Noah Divell, Lucas Divell, and Brody, Shyanne, and Raenin Mong; sister in law, Susan Tenney; god child Kelly Markiewicz; many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends, Margaret and Norm Tallmadge, Stephanie Jordan and Bill Sandusky Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home & Crematory Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd., on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Funeral services will be private and inurnment will take place in Laurel Hill Cemetery.