Kenneth “Ken” Allen Elwood passed away of natural causes on November 26, 2022. He was born October 30, 1931, to Riley and Bessie (Craven) Elwood in Esterville, Iowa. Ken was the youngest of 7 boys and 2 girls. He graduated from Esterville High School in 1949.
Ken met Marie Hansen in 1952 and married the love of his life in 1954 in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The couple moved briefly to Denver, Colorado where Ken attended Colorado School of Flower Designing.
They then moved to Wichita, Kansas where Ken started his career as a florist. In 1958 Ken moved with his family and brother, Harold, to Miles City. He then worked for Miles City Floral and Greenhouses.
Ken was known for his ability to arrange any kind of floral arrangements and for his knowledge of all kinds of bedding and garden plants.
After more than 30 years at Miles City Floral Ken went to work for K-Mart as the manager of the Garden Department.
Ken enjoyed fishing, attending high school and junior college sporting events with his wife of 68 years, Marie and was the women’s softball coach here in Miles City for many years.
Ken had two children to this union, Chris (1955) and Jeanie (1972). Ken also had a niece, Sue and a nephew, Steve who were like his own children. Ken truly enjoyed having his kids and grandkids around.
Ken is survived by his children; Chris (Diana) Elwood, Jeanie Sorensen, special niece Sue (Scott) Jens, 6 grandchildren, 3 Jens kids who considered him their grandpa, 3 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Bill (Kathy) Timberman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife Marie; brothers Frank, Fred, Orland, Llyod, Alde, and Harold; sisters Alice and Marion; and nephew Steve Kirk.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ken’s name to The Alzheimers Association of Montana at http://www.alz.org/montana or Outlaw Baseball Club.
Family will Receive Friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 30, 2022. A prayer service will follow at 6:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022, at Custer County Cemetery. To leave condolences for the family please visit: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 1, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Prayer Service
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday November 30, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Graveside Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday December 1, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Kennedy Jens says
Love you Uncle Kenny. I will miss everything about you, our conversations, your uncanny wit, and love for fishing and sports. You were the grandpa I never had and I’ll never forget that. Til we meet again…
Beth Ann Johnson Wiedeman says
Ken’s family, my prayers for your family during this time of grief.
Bryan Holmen says
Chris & family ,
Ken was such a kind and generous man. He always had a kind word and time for a visit. I’ll always remember when I was in the 6th grade and new to Miles City and the neighborhood, Ken invited me along on a pheasant hunt with Chris which started a life long friendship .
I am sure he and your wonderful mother, Marie, are together again.
My sympathies and may God Bless you and your family ..
Bryan
Marcy Stabler Parks says
To all of Ken and Marie’s family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Marie was my first grade teacher and such a special, wonderful lady! She was a great inspiration and influence in my life, and Ken was such a kind, caring man, always with a smile. Treasure the memories, and know that they are reunited, full of life and smiles.
Bub and Carlene Gaskill says
Chris & Diana you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Denise and Jay Harvey says
To all of Ken’s family,
What a kind man who was always so thoughtful! We loved our trips to the flower shop for snacks and to smell the wonderful flowers and plants.
What a joyous reunion in heaven!
May God bless you with cherished memories!
Carol & Walter says
Dear Sue & all of the Elwood Family,
We’re sorry to see the passing of Ken.
I fondly remember selecting beautiful plants & floral arrangements from the floral shop when it was located on Tompy. Ken was always so kind & helpful. Once again Marie & Ken are united. Our heartfelt sympathy in your loss. So many wonderful memories to cherish.
Carol & Walter Nelson
Diona & Jerry Austill says
I’m so sorry to see this but glad their will be a reunion in heaven with Marie. Marie was my first grade teacher and Ken did our wedding flowers. Such wonderful people.
Diona & Jerry Austill
Steve and Lucy Jessen says
Dear Elwood Family
Isaiah 40:8 (NIV84)
8 The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God stands forever.”
Lucy and I are standing with you during your time of sadness. Ken raised a wonderful family.
Curt and Kate Terrett says
So sorry for your loss
Karen Gaskill says
My prayers are with all of the wonderful family that Ken and Marie raised. .
Sonny & Sandy says
Chris& Diana- Although we didn’t know your Dad, Chris, our thoughts are with you.
John M Travinsky says
I knew Ken all my life. His wife, Marie was my mother’s cousin and they were like sisters. He was a kind and generous person loved by everyone who knew him. My heart goes out to his children and all of his family.
Doug and Diane Ellingson says
So sorry for your loss.Our prayers and thoughts are with all of family.
Susanne (Mentikov) Galbraith says
Chris, Diana, and all of Ken’s Family, My condolences at the loss of your father, grandfather, and friend. May his memory be a blessing.
Brian Russiff and SharLa Lalum says
Chris & Diana, we’re sorry to hear about Ken. You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Pete and June Minow says
Chris and Diana,
We are so sorry for your loss. We remember enjoying getting plants or bouquets from Miles City Floral and Greenhouses. Extending our sympathy and prayers.
Paul and Elaine Schieffer says
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. He was such a very kind and thoughtful man – a perfect match to kind and thoughtful Marie. He loved his sweets and I enjoyed sharing many of my goodies with him. Treasure the memories. I am sure they will bring smiles. Blessings to his family. Thinking of you all.
Chris (Streeter) Donnelly says
Chris, Dianna and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him as being a very kind man.
Deb and Bob Hagemeister says
To Chris & Diana, Sue & Scott and families. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Deb Hanley) and Bob Hagemeister
Tracee L Raymond says
To The Elwood family,
I remember both Ken and Marie when I was little as we lived over by the greenhouse and were over there practically everyday. I haven’t seen your folks in years however, they were always so nice. They were amazing individuals and will both be dearly missed.
Pam Rogge says
Prayers and condolences to the family. Marie and Ken were faithful members of the United Methodist Church and will be remembered fondly. Take comfort that they are together again.
Michele Mickolio says
So sorry for your loss. Ken and Marie were a hoot. I always enjoyed sitting with Ken and Marie at the Christmas parties at DEAP. Wonderful people. Cherish the them in you.
They will live on in your hearts, stories and memories forever. Deep deep peace to you. God bless you.
Drew & Marni Gaskill says
Our condolences to the Elwood family.
Pat Herzog says
Our deepest sympathy Chris,Diana and family.. on your loss.. we will hold all of you in our prayers 🙏 ❤️ Monte and Pat Herzog
Carol HIRSCH says
I am so sad to hear this. I remember hanging out the Miles City Greenhouse. I enjoyed spending time with Kenny and Harold. They were also so sweet to me. He was such a sweet man and I know he will be missed very much.
Jim Edwards says
Mr (Ken) & Mrs Elwood will forever be special people who I have many fond memories of. My longtime friend, son Chris & Scott & Sue Jens are also favorites. Great times spent in my youth with Chris & later he & cousin Sue & then Scott who was a great basketball player at MCC & then a new teacher when he first settled in MC. Chris $ Jeanie, Scott & Sue, what wonderful people Ken & Marie were. Jim Edwards
Tom Fleming says
Farewell Ken you will be missed I enjoyed stopping by your house and visiting with you and your wife many times over the years I remember the fun days working at the greenhouse great memories
Audrey Haumschild and Greg says
So sorry Hugs for you all. Sorry I missed the service. Ken was so sweet and I will miss his smile and twinkle in his eyes. Will also miss our visits with Chris and Diana too. He back with his Marie. Love sent from. Audrey
carol watts says
Ken was a great guy, loved working with him at KMart. It was always good to see him later, whether in church, Ace Hardware or the grocery store. All good memories. He will be missed.
Janet Lynn Loomis says
Chris, Dianna and family. So very sorry for your loss.
ED HOFMANN says
I delivered plants and flowers to the greenhouse every Thursday from 79-85. He would always go up front and get a piece of beef jerky for my dog. We had a lot of great conversations over the years. He loved his family so much. — I would stop and see him at K-Mart whenever I was through town in later years. Kenny was one of my very favorite people ever and one of the kindest guys I ever met. I’ll see you again someday buddy!