Ellen Ruth Darr, 97, of Anoka, formerly of Dodge Center, MN died Monday, May 29, at The Homestead in Anoka. Daughter of Bert and Olga Rouse, Ellen was born November 27, 1919, on a farm near Ayrshire, IA. Ellen was 14 when her mother passed away, leaving Ellen to tend the home, and surely shaping the remarkable woman she became---a hard working, efficiency driven, get 'er done lady! While caring for her father and four siblings, Ellen still managed to attend and graduate from Ayrshire High School. She then married the love of her life, Clelland Darr. Together they shared over 77 years of marriage and farm life in Iowa and Minnesota.

Ellen is survived by their children: Mardell (Wayne) Truog of Emmetsburg, IA; Darrell (Sharon Lee) of Dodge Center, MN; Dennie (Shirley) of Rushford, MN; Sharon (Dick) Gibbs of Wynantskill, NY; and Virginia (Tom) Ritchey of Andover, MN. Preceded in death by her husband Clelland, son Richard, granddaughter Mary Ann Darr, and grandson Keith Truog. Deeply loved and mourned by 18 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren, and 27 great-great grandchildren.

As a wife, mother, woman of faith and friend of many, Ellen was a respected role model to whom anyone could aspire. Ellen's memoir, Memories of a Lifetime , reveals a dedicated woman, who worked hard, loved life, accommodated its myriad changes (made a few herself!) and was good and kind of heart.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 19 , 2017 at the First Methodist Church, 20 First St. NE., Dodge Center, MN. Visiting hour starting at 10 A.M. Memorial Service at 11 A.M., followed by inurnment of ashes at Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center and reception at the Community Center in Dodge Center.

Arrangements entrusted to Thurston-DeShaw Funeral Home of Andover.  (763) 767-7373.