Ellen Jackson

A native and longtime Leadville resident, Ellen E. Jackson (AKA Grandmaw) died Thursday, September 15, 2011, at her home in Durango, Colo. She was 100 years old.

Ellen was born on May 23, 1911 in Leadville to Gustav and Elin Malmgren, both immigrants from Sweden. Although she lived the last five years in Durango, her home and heart were always in Leadville. She loved the high country, the snow and cold, the mining, and especially the people. She was proud of her heritage and could still speak the Swedish language.

Ellen became the mother to her younger siblings at the age of 12 when her own mother passed away. She always maintained a deep love for little children and especially enjoyed her own three children, six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She also loved and was blessed with many nieces and nephews and a wealth of dear friends.

She married Albin A. Jackson, also of Leadville, on June 25, 1934, in Denver, Colo. They made their home at 402 E. 2nd in Leadville for their entire married life of 53 years. She still called that residence home.

Ellen delighted in being a wife, mother, homemaker and raising the children and also caring for many other little ones in the process. She relished being called "Grandmaw" even by those who were not her grandchildren.

She was an exceptional baker and enjoyed crocheting. She made well over 100 afghans for family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling.

Ellen maintained a deep faith in the Lord through her Lutheran heritage and also the Methodist church, enjoying her participation in Esther Circle.

Ellen easily made friends and had many, many friends wherever she went. She enjoyed fellowship with everyone and always delighted in company coming to her home. She always had time for anyone and kept the tea pot and coffee pot handy and ready.

She recently celebrated her 100th birthday with four parties, which were very well attended. This was a fine recognition of her devoted friendship and pure and unconditional love by and for everyone. She will be sadly missed as her life blessed and touched so many. She will always be remembered as Grandmaw, Mert, or the little Lady from Chick Hill in Leadville.

She is survived by a son, Walter Jackson (his wife Julia) of Durango, Colo.; four grandsons: Scott Jackson (his wife Janna) of Littleton, Colo.; Chris Jackson (his wife Shelley) of Bayfield, Colo.; Terry Bartell (his wife Joyce) of Aurora, Colo.; David Jackson of El Dorado, Kansas; granddaughters Kathleen (her husband Tim Tracey) of Winchester, Ohio; Raelene (her husband Jim Springer) of Ogallala, Neb.; and a daughter-in-law Evelyn O'Roke of El Dorado, Kansas. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, seven siblings and two children, Beulah Bartell Zurawski and George Jackson.

Contributions may be sent directly to any children's charity of your choice, or to Hospice of Mercy, 1 Mercado St, #270, Durango, CO 81301.

Private graveside services will be held in Leadville at a later date.