Ellen Marie Kodesh

Ellen Marie Kodesh was born a twin to Josef and Anezka (Drahota) Kodes on October 18, 1925. She was delivered by her great aunt, Barbara Rendla, in a one room rock house near Castleford ID. Her mother named her Alena, but the sister in law insisted she be given the American name of Ellen. Her mother was so upset, she crossed out Ellen on the birth certificate and hand wrote in Alena. This caused a few problems in her life, but she was able to overcome it. She left this earth on January 20, 2018, in Odessa TX with loving family members by her side. She was loved Idaho, but went to Oklahoma where she bore and raised her children. She moved back as soon as she could. She came to Odessa to live with her daughter when her health began to fail 8 years ago. Ellen was a proud first generation Bohemian American and instilled the same pride in her children and grandchildren. She had and infectious laugh that brightened even a stranger’s day. She loved all things great and small and could nurse sick animals and scraggly plants back to health. She loved to dance, quilt, crochet, bowl, grow flowers and was an amazing cook who never let anyone leave with an empty belly. Her sparkling blue eyes will be missed by all. Ellen lovingly raised 6 children who were the joy of her life. She never settled for less than good grades, manners and a strong work ethic from her children. These traits have served them well and are being passed on to grandchildren and great grandchildren. She loved her “children in law” as much as their spouses and also loved her children’s adult friends as her own. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles, twin sister Libby Craddock, sister Sonja Uptain, her favorite cousin Ed Hejtmanek, daughter in law Karen Kodesh and many dear friends and cousins. She leaves behind sons John Kodesh (Karen), Tony Kodesh (Connie), Jim Kodesh (Jena) and Duke Kodesh. Daughters Carla Fellers (Phil) and Teri Wilcox (Conard). Grandchildren Charly Hengen, Scott Kodesh, Diane Kodesh, Justine Wichman and Jessica Campbell who selflessly traveled long hours and many miles to help care for her in her last hours. Kirsten Minisian, John Tautfest, Jasmine Shockey, Meridith Armstrong, Brenda Brooks, Linda Kodesh, Jillian Shreck, Christina Valderas and Matt Wilcox. 20 great grandchildren, cousins and many dear friends. Ellen did not want a formal service, but her ashes will be returned to Buhl, ID at a later date. She always donated to small animal shelters in memory of others and in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite shelter. When I am old I shall wear purple. I want to be an Outrageous old woman Who never gets called Old Lady. I want to get leaner And meaner, sharp-edged and Earth colored. Till I fade away from Pure Joy. I will do all these things And more- when I Grow old and start to wear Purple

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Ellen Marie Kodesh

October 18, 1925 - January 20, 2018