Ellen Carrithers, 87

Ellen Dell Carrithers, 87, passed away of natural causes while surrounded by family on Dec. 23, 2013, at the Hospice House in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. 

To honor Ellen, a potluck celebration of life will be held at noon on Sunday, May 25, 2014, of Memorial Day weekend at the home of Morris and Carol Prosser, 4875 E St. Anthony’s Lane, Post Falls, Idaho 83854. 

Ellen loved get togethers and spent many wonderful times at the Prosser home. Everyone is welcome to come and share your stories of Ellen.

Ellen was born on Aug. 5, 1926, in Syracuse, Kan., to Earl Carrithers and Ina Butts Carrithers. 

At a young age she moved from Kansas to North Idaho with her parents and four siblings. During her high school years, her family lived in Bremerton, Wash., where her father worked in the shipyards during World War II. She finished high school there and began her working career as a phone operator in Bremerton. 

From there she worked at the naval base at Farragut Park, Idaho, also as an operator. She then went to work for General Telephone Company as an operator and then on to office manager in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. 

She transferred to Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and finally retired from GTE after 40 years. Most people did not know that she was one of the original operators who would say “At the tone the time will be.” Ellen saw many changes in telephone service and retired just at the time that cell phones were coming into existence.

Family was very important to Ellen. She took her nieces and nephews on trips to visit other family in Washington and Oregon, train trips to Troy, Montana or the bison range in Polston, Mont., whenever she had a vacation from work.

Holidays were another important time in Ellen’s life. Her family will miss the holiday, anniversary and birthday cards she sent. Ellen spent many hours playing card and board games with the children, patiently helping the younger ones so that they could play with the Big Kids too. She enjoyed reunions, weddings, graduations and other family events, often traveling so that she could attend.

Ellen was a long time member of the Phythian Sisters and remained in contact with other members long after she moved away. She enjoyed gardening, music, reading, craft projects, collecting ornaments and having lunch with friends.

Ellen is survived by her sisters, Janice Eby of Bonners Ferry and Esther Woodward of Post Falls, Idaho, as well as many cousins and nieces and nephews. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Frank Carrithers and sister, Olive Mulvaney. Ellen will be missed greatly by family and all her many friends.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice.