Ella Mary Frederick Johnsen, a lifelong resident of the Miles City area passed away at Billings Clinic hospital after suffering several heart attacks.
Ella was born in Miles City to Russell and Sophie Klieten Frederick on June 7, 1929. She attended Ash Creek grade school and later graduated from Custer County High School in 1949.
Ella married Marvin Leslee Johnsen of Cohagen, MT, March 7, 1948. To this union one child was born, Helen Izola on April 16, 1949. They ranched near Cohagen until 1970 when they moved to Kinsey MT.
She was a lifetime member of the First Baptist Church of Miles City and also was active in the Kinsey Community Church until its closure. She was active in the Ash Creek homemakers Kinsey ladies aid, Eastern Montana Fiddlers and Cohagen Womens Group. Ella worked at many jobs but was most proud of 26+ years as the cashier at MDU. After Marvin passed in 1997 she operated the Kinsey farm raising paint horses, Charolais cows and even irrigated the fields until she was around 85 years of age. Marvin and Ella were known for their Christmas light display that could be seen for miles.
Ella spent many of her retirement years traveling to senior dances all over Eastern Montana. She loved to dance! She was known for her angel food cakes and lemon meringue pies. She was an accomplished seamstress and until December 2020 was doing alterations for “stitches”. Many have enjoyed seeing her varied western shirt creations among other things.
Ella joins her husband Marvin in heaven along with brothers; Vernon and Abner Frederick, her parents Russell and Sophie and nephew John Frederick and niece Kathy Althaus.
Ella is survived by the light of her life, only daughter Helen Johnsen Deines and Helen’s husband Douglas Deines whom she dearly loved, also several nieces and nephews: Deanna Goforth, Peggy White, Verna Tolsen, Daniel Frederick, Jim Althaus and Dee Coil Sams and her family and cousin Dale Frederick.
We will miss the much loved, vibrant lady and want to thank all her friends for their loving care and help in her later years.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will follow in the family lot of the Cohagen Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 900 Palmer, Miles City, MT 59301.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 9, 2021
First Baptist Church
900 Palmer Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
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Dee Ann McLellan-Sams says
Aunti, I am so glad I got to have you stay with me, and that I got to talk with you last night, not knowing it would be the last time makes it so hard. We were so excited to know you were coming home soon. God had other plans. We often talked about that. I know you are with Him and happily visiting with everyone before you. I miss you so much already, but know you will be there when it is my turn. I love you so much.
Helen, Thank you for letting me be a part of everything and allowing me to be with you in any way I can. I will always be here for you. I love you cousin.
Dee Ann (Coil) Sams and Don Sams
Tricia Yeager says
To Ellas family
We met her in 2005 when my family moved to Kinsey, she come to the house for Bible study, she invited my boys to hunt and trap her ranch, she sold my daughter her very first horse. Ella was a wonderful lady with so many talents i wish i had. We were very blessed to have known her. God Bless you
With our love,
The Yeager Family
Judy Nerud says
Helen,
So sad to hear of your mom’s passing. Mom always enjoyed receiving your mom’s letters and cards. Our deepest sympathies. Diane, Sharon & Judy (The Hubing Girls)
Ruben and June Opp says
Helen and all of Ella’s family,
We are so very sad to hear about the passing of your Mom and a very special friend to many of us who have known her for many years. Our thoughts and prayers are that God will comfort you all during this difficult time and in the days to come.
Ruben and June Opp
Alice and Donald John Cameron says
Helen we were so sorry to hear this news. I have a million memories from years past. Your folks were always so good to have as neighbors. There aren’t many from those old days left. Seems like we are the old ones now. If we can do anything to help you out please let us know. Meanwhile take care of you.
Betty Vail says
A life well lived. She will be missed.
Rick and Dee Abbott says
To each of Ella Jo’s family: What a courageous, spunky lady……. an ORIGINAL Pioneer Woman. We enjoyed her as one of the long-time neighbors in Kinsey – also enjoyed seeing all of her entries at the Eastern Montana Fair – and seeing her paint horses in the pasture. Hold to your good memories…. we pray that our Lord grants you His comfort, peace and solace.
ELVERA NEUHASRDT says
DEAR HELEN==TIME HAS COME TO SAY GOOD BYE TO A DEAR PIONEER==WE GO BACK TO THE 50’S WHEN OTTO AND I WERE YOUR TEACHERS AT COHAGEN==ELLA HAS BEEN #1 IN MY BOOK==SHE DID SOME SEWING FOR ME THE END OF NOV==2020==SHE WAS SO EXCITED==PLANNING ANOTHER CHRISTMAS WITH YOU==SHE SAID==I’M NOT TAKING ANY MORE SEWING ORDERS AFTER DEC1==THE LAST THING SHE SAID TO ME ==HOW OLD ARE YOU ELVERA=====KEEP YOUR MIND BUSY==GOD BLESS==
Anna Brandt says
Ella was the best friend a girl could ask for. She will be missed by so many! I will treasure all the memories of all we did. When I talked to you the night of the 3rd she was so excited to be coming home, even if it was to rehab. Was a shock when Helen called me yesterday morning. Fly high, my sweet friend. Till we meet again!
Deb and Bob Hagemeister says
Helen and family — so sorry for your loss! So enjoyed your Mom — we enjoyed long visits every time our paths crossed — and she was so proud of you! Our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Linda Moore says
Ella. I will so miss your smile and presence on sundays at mass. God Bless.
Janet Kern Newcomb & family says
I remember fondly our childhood vacations driving out west to visit with mom’s (Betty Johnsen Kern) family, including our cousins in Montana where mom grew up. My favorite part was driving to Marvin and Ella’s ranch and riding horses. The 8 mile rutted driveway was quite an experience. Ella always seemed happy to see us “greenhorns” from the east. She was quite a spirited giving woman. The world will definitely miss her. Our deepest condolences.
Ed and Mimi Holtz says
Dear Helen, We remember fondly the visit with your mom when the two of you came to our ranch. She was full of life and vitality! It has been wonderful to “keep in touch” online, and you have been in our prayers. Our deepest condolences to you and all of your family.
Margie Smith says
Sounds as thought she led a very full and active. God bless her…
Marty and Jeanette O'Dea says
We are so very sad to hear of Ella’s passing, we have been good friends with her for many years. I can tell you for a fact she made the best BLUE RIBBON Angel food cakes and lemon cakes with the yokes. She brought me what she called her flops , they were 10 times better then anything e!se I have ever made. Our deepest sympathy at your loss, she will be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Helen your mother loved you so much and talked about you all time.
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
To Helen and all Ella’s family & friends, my sincerest sympathy goes out to you all.
Linda Barnes says
We only met Ella a few times, but Ella reminded me of my mom in every way. Always active and volunteering. Very sociable to everyone and anyone. Even in size..both petite women, but strong. Our condolences. She will be missed.
Jack and Linda Barnes- Hamilton
Ron and Maryjo Barnard says
We loved Ella as a wonderful Kinsey neighbor. She always had a smile and a kind word. Hugs to you and your family.
Richard and LInda Meidinger says
Ella would drop in at our place at Kinsey once in a while and she had such a super smile and always so kind.
RIchard knew her for years and I had her too long when we left there. Prayers and thought to her family and friends.
May she rest in peace She had a super long life that she really enjoyed. Hugs to all.
Kay Collins says
Helen, so so sorry for your loss. Ella was one of a kind. Always so willing to help where ever she could. She made the absolute best angel food cakes. Hope you have her recipe.
May God give you comfort at this difficult time.
Kay Barnes Collins
Gary and Janie Owens says
I will always remember all of your family Helen. So many Great memories of Marvin and Ella. Your mother was always so kind and helped us often when we lived at Kinsey. I know she is in a better place. Losing a parent is very hard but I know you have many wonderful memories to help you through this time. God bless Helen
Barb Smalis says
So sorry for your loss, Helen. Your Mom left a legacy of wonderful memories. She was a very talented lady and her warm personality will be remembered by all!
Thea Moline says
My mother is Jean Dodge Moline, who went to grade school with Ella. Jean was very fond of Ella and kept in touch throughout their lives. Jean is in hospice now and near death, but I know she would be very saddened by Ella’s death. I hope Ella and Jean can visit together again in heaven.
Roger Sprague says
Helen, SO sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. Always enjoyed visiting with her and shared quite a few dances with her over milyRthe years. Such a great Lady!!! My thoughs and prayers For you and your fa
Chris Kiosse Young says
Helen, so sorry to hear of your dear mother’s passing, she was so kind to me and always had a good visit when we saw each other. I often remember our giggles and tea parties! Take care. You are in my thoughts.
waine Milmine says
MY thoughts are with you and my prayers spent a lot of time with Marvin and Ella at Kinsey putting up hay and laying gated pipe and branding colts . Wonderful friends
Jason & Susie Reed says
Marvin Johnson was my dad’s cousin. I enjoyed Ella and Marvin with many visits at our ranch and theirs. Ella always had a big smile and possessive attitude. I enjoyed riding their wonderful paint horses. When I was riding cutting horses in the 2017 NCHA World Finals Ella was one of my best fans, always delivering words of encouragement and enthusiastic praise. I enjoy the remodeling of their old horse drawn freight wagon as an heirloom project. Hats off to Marvin and Ella and our greatest heartfelt sympathies to you, Helen.
Sally Selle says
A special lady who shared flower seeds, plants, recipes and many more things when I worked at MDU when I first was married. I still Have the bread knife she gave me as a gift and think about her every time I cut Fresh bread. She will be missed by many! RIP Ella and enjoy your time with Marvin once again.
Deb Bartholomew says
Family of Ella,
So very sorry to hear the loss Ella. She was truly a special and gifted lady. She will be truly be missed. Treasure your memories as they will help get you thru difficult days ahead. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Cindy Berg says
Ella’s Family,
So sorry to hear of Ella’s passing. I met her 22 years ago, when I began my job at the Extension Office.
Always enjoyed visiting with her, and was truly amazed at all her many talents. She will be missed !
Jim and Annalise Willson says
Helen I will always remember your Mom and Dad letting me go with you and them to a rodeo at Wibaux, Montana. Also when You and I got the District High School Rodeo in Miles City, Montana. The Chamber of Commerce and Mrs. Ruth Hendry helped us organize the Rodeo. Your Mom and your dad were always so friendly. We will them
Prayers to you Jim and Annalise (Haglof) Willson
Peggy Anderson says
Helen, your Mom and I become instant friends when I started working for MDU in 1975. I visited her and your Dad at the ranch several times and was always welcome. When I got transferred, we keep in touch and she came to visit me in Sheridan, Wyoming. There might have been many miles between us and many years since we got to hug each other but birthdays and Christmas never pasted without a phone call and a card. It was just before Christmas 2020 I was thinking about her, picked up the phone, called her and we had the must wonderful visit. Thank you Dear Heavenly Father for giving me that opportunity to laugh and visit with Ella one more time before You called her home. I feel blessed to be able to call her a very dear friend. Helen and Doug, my prayers are with you and yes, you will miss her every day.
jensina says
you were the best i loved you so much and miss having you around i remember when you lived out in kinsey and we would come out once a year to do youre enourmouse yard you were the best another memory was when i was 7 i drove the team of horses and the wagon with you on it dressed as some famouse person in a parade that was a blast
jensina says
i also remember my mom told me that morning that you had died around 3am well for christmas the previouse year you gave me a little white teddy bear that morning of youre passing i woke up and i looked at my clock and it was 3:00 am exactly i remember that i grabbed the teddy bear and snuggled it before falling to sleep again -i love you so much auntie