Obituary for Ellen Louise Arlian
Butterflies, green grass, and children – the special loves of a beautiful, selfless Mother, Wife, Aunt, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. Born in Carbondale, Colorado, to Gertrude and Laurence Gardner, Ellen was joined by an identical and beloved twin sister, Kate. The two loved teasing unsuspecting friends when one would pose as the other! Ellen loved her three brothers and six sisters dearly, but Kate was Ellen’s “other half.” She loved her beyond measure. When Ellen and Kate were only 17, their mother passed away. Since she and Kate were the oldest still at home, they became “Mom” for their three younger sisters. From family tragedy, Ellen’s lifelong gift of “mothering” began. Graduating in 1951 from Glenwood Springs High School, Ellen continued to care for her family and their home in addition to working many service jobs.
Then, Ellen’s life changed quickly while attending her sister Kate and husband Adolph Wagner’s farm auction: Ellen met Leo. They dated three weeks before marrying on July 15, 1954, and immediately began ranching and raising six children near El Jebel, Colorado. Tourism and the development made it a challenge to stay in agriculture in Colorado. In 1970, the Little Timber Ranch near Big Timber, Montana, became their new home to continue with kids and cattle.
Ellen was the epitome of a true “ranch wife.” In addition to all the household chores for a family of eight, she could lend a hand outside wherever she was needed: pulling a calf, feeding cows, or helping to brand calves. She was an excellent “quantity” cook, feeding her hungry family three meals a day, seven days a week and spending days canning – a chore that she actually loved! Ellen enjoyed watching all sports, especially football, and listening to musical events. Anything that involved her kids or grandkids meant she would be there, loving every minute. Her favorite hobby was reading; later in life, Ellen took great pride in being a Hospice Volunteer, evidence once again of Ellen’s patience and love for anyone who needed her.
Every single grandkid was special to Ellen, be it the 1st or the 14th ! Gary: Tami (Dan), Suzi (Randy), Heidi (Gary); Dale: Justin (Jaime), Britni; Kathy: Andrea (Hunter); Marvin: Jessica (Logan), Brandon (Autumn), Kristyn (Taylor), Mitchel; Nancy: Derek, Katie; Curtis: Liz, Alyson. Great Grandchildren were an enormous source of pride and awe for Ellen. Gary: Will, Sophie, and Mady Sanders; Claire, Gracie, and Tyce Smith; Garrett, Anna, and Emme Todd; Dale: Gabe, Reid, and Tayler Arlian; Kathy: Natalie Moen; Marvin: Leo and Baby Todd, Ava Arlian and Alex, Kolby, and Ady Kring; Blakely and
Baby Sheridan; Nancy: Kyla, Kira, Kayson, Kailynn and Khloe Petrie and Jaxston Scott. Ellen held a special place in her heart for dearly beloved nieces and nephew: Vicki Taylor, Sharon Johnson, and Conrad Wagner.
With a familiar shrug of her shoulders, a chuckle, and an “Oh Well,” Ellen personified finding purpose amid the highs and lows of life by guiding, feeding, and loving three generations of Arlians. On April 23, 2024, at the age of 92, Ellen Arlian passed away – the last of 10. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, husband, three brothers, six sisters, and in laws Briece and Margaret Arlian. Her saddest moment in life was losing her son Dale only six months ago. With peace and gratitude Ellen leaves her family to carry on her legacy of patience and love: Gary and Debby Arlian; Dale’ s special lady, Mary Jo Ames; Kathy and Vince Thomas; Marvin and Darlene Arlian; Nancy Arlian; and Curtis and Alycia Arlian. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that any memorials be made to St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Big Timber or a favorite charity of your choice.
Rosary will be at 7:00 pm, Monday, April 29th at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Big Timber. The funeral Mass will be at 11 :00 am Tuesday, April 30th at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Rite of committal to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Monday
29
Apr
7:00 PM
- 8:00 PM
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
910 McLeod Street
Big Timber, MT 59011
Rosary will be recited at 7pm
Funeral Service
Tuesday
30
Apr
11:00 AM
- 12:00 PM
St. Joseph's Catholic Church
910 McLeod Street
Big Timber, MT 59011
Graveside Services
Tuesday
30
Apr
12:00 PM
- 12:30 PM
Mountain View Cemetery
West of Big Timber
Big Timber, MT 59011
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