- Date Of Birth: July 6, 1930
- Date Of Death: October 12, 2022
- State: Idaho
Ellen was born July 6, 1930 in Wichita, Kansas to Ernest and Daisy Schoonover Johnson. She attended school in the Wichita area and graduated from Clearwater High School. Ellen attended Kansas State University, then married Otis D. Howard (O.D.) on June 12, 1949. They were married 62 years; O.D. passed away in 2011. Together they have three children Phil, Karen and Carol.
The family lived in the Wichita area until 1956, when O.D. accepted a position at the newly incorporated Intermountain Gas Company. They packed up the family and moved to Boise ID, and later moved to Nampa in 1957.
Ellen was an expert seamstress. She designed and created dance costumes, wedding dresses and countless projects including keepsake teddy bears, coats, bags and almost anything you can think of. In the late 60’s Ellen decided to pursue a teaching degree at BSC. She began her teaching career at Lakeview Elementary in the early 70’s. Fourth grade was her favorite age group as she loved teaching Idaho History. She made a difference for so many children and truly loved the school and the surrounding community. Ellen completed her MA from BSU in 1977. She also enjoyed teaching sewing at summer school and continued that even after she retired in 1993. She also worked for the Nampa School District in various capacities for over 20 years, including the Gifted and Talented program and numerous grant writing endeavors. However, classroom instruction at Lakeview Elementary was always her passion. She was named Teacher of the Year for the Nampa School District in 1985. Ellen was also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa and was state president from 2000-2002.
Ellen and O.D. enjoyed a very active lifestyle together. One of their most enjoyable activities was square and round dancing in Boots and Bows and Waltz Time clubs. Through dancing they met many dear friends with whom they shared countless memories. At any event O.D. and Ellen were often the first couple on the dance floor and they were impressive. The rest of us could only stand back and watch them in awe. They also loved to travel and took many trips and cruises with friends to destinations throughout the world including China, Europe, Mexico and South America. They enjoyed many sailing adventures in their 22 ft. Catalina sailboat, Thunder, as well as chartered sailing through the Greek Islands and the San Juan Islands.
They were regular attendees at the Sun Valley Jazz festival and devoted BSU Bronco fans. Ellen and O.D.
Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the light of her life and she rarely missed a sporting event, dance recital, concert or any activity that involved them. She was always up for a road trip.
Many treasured memories were also made at their cabin in Cascade ID. Summers included scouting for huckleberries and winter was for snowmobiling adventures. This included “Lunar Lunacy” with the Lakeview staff.
Ellen is survived by her three children: Phil and Carrie Howard, Emmett, ID; Karen and Steve Keys, Nampa, ID; Carol and Michael Julius, Caldwell, ID. She has eight grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. Tina and Pat Aaron, Benjamin, Michael and Madeleine; Laura Keys, Porter; Stephen Keys and fiance Rob Moore; Aimee Keys and Ed Perreira, Ruby; Cathy Keys and Gabo Quintero, Marlow; Ryan and Melanie Chroninger, Alex, Helio and Xochitl; Brent and Alicia Chroninger, Brady, Cooper and Mila; Camie and Jonathan McReynolds, Cayden, Lucie and Norah. She has many nieces and nephews. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Ivan Johnson and Dale Johnson and her beloved husband O.D.
