Ellen Marie (Hunter) Dillon

Ellen Marie Dillon, of Anoka, MN, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the age of 91.  She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Ellen was born on March 4th, 1933, in her parents’ farm house in Anoka, Minnesota, where she grew up.  She graduated from Anoka High School in 1951.  She worked at First National Bank in Minneapolis until the birth of her first child, and then joined the circulation department of the Star Tribune, where she delivered papers and then later earned the position of professional circulation manager until her retirement at the age of 60.

Throughout her distinguished career at the Minneapolis Star and Tribune, Ellen received numerous awards and accolades over the years for her persistence and diligent work ethic.  These many awards included State Sales Supervisor of the Year and the Cowles Media Company Charter President’s Award.

Ellen’s pride and joy, besides her children and grandchildren, was her flower garden that she took meticulous care to cultivate.  It was filled with a variety of sweet smelling and beautiful flowers, including peonies and morning glories, all presided over by her wishing well.  Ellen also loved birds and was always eager to share her knowledge about birds with others.  Her favorite birds were cardinals and blue jays, and she spent untold hours rigging the bird feeders so the squirrels couldn’t steal the birds’ food!  She also grew rhubarb and tomatoes, which she used to craft delicious delicacies.  She was a tremendous cook and baker and enjoyed all things cooking and baking, including watching cooking shows on television and cooking and baking with her grandchildren.  She embroidered or cross-stitched innumerable pillow cases and dish towels during her lifetime, some with Bible verses and almost all with flowers.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert “Bob;” parents Wesley and Mildred; siblings Mildred and Esther; and brothers-in-law Charles Gay and David DeJong.

Ellen is survived by her sons Bradley (Joyce) Dillon and Scott (Kara) Dillon, and beloved grandchildren Marie, Sarah, Ashley, Max, Emily, and Paige.  Her memory and her legacy will be cherished by all who knew her.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27th at Dare’s Funeral Home, with visitation starting at 9 a.m.  A private interment will follow at Oak View Cemetery in Saint Francis, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to River of Life Church. Arrangements by Dare’s Funeral Home, Elk River, 763-441-1212. (www.daresfuneralservice.com)

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