Obituary of Ellen Oddan

Oddan – Phoebe “Ellen” Oddan, passed away at the Maidstone Health Complex, Maidstone, Saskatchewan, on July 18, 2017, at the age of 64 years.

She will be dearly missed by Maurice, her husband of 42 years; her son, Mark; daughter in-law, Tracy; grandsons, Carter and Lincoln; Ellen’s mother, Helena; Maurice’s mother, Agnes; his sisters, Carol (and Bruce) Walker; Faye (and Ervin) Blanchard; Frances Leachman; his brothers, Harold (and Alice); Virden (and Lisa); their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren; cherished aunts, uncle, cousins, dear friends and neighbours. Ellen was predeceased by her father, Ronald; Maurice’s father, Vick; Frances’ husband, Buddy; grandsons, Asher and Declan; as well as much loved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Ellen was born in Maidstone, Saskatchewan to Ronald and Helena Pike on May 18, 1953. She went to Maidstone High School, graduating in 1969. She earned a diploma from Reeves Business College in Lloydminster and later pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Education at the University of Saskatchewan. Her teaching career took her to schools in Lloydminster, Lashburn, Waseca, Hillmond and Maidstone. She later worked as Constituency Assistant for MLA Violet Stanger for a number of years. Throughout this all, she was heavily involved in the Oddan family’s farming and Horned Hereford ranching operations, and managed her own small flock of sheep.

A tireless and dedicated community volunteer, Ellen had an energetic zest for life. Music, animals and nurturing youth were the focus of her passions. Her hobbies/interests and community involvement included: teaching voice, piano and guitar lessons for 20 years, with students attending Lloydminster and provincial music festivals; figure skating and coaching; horse riding, training, competitive trail riding, roping and English riding; competitive bowling; downhill skiing; playing trumpet in the Maidstone adult wind band; secretary of the Spots on the Border Appaloosa horse show; secretary/manager of the Red Carpet Hereford Show & Sale, Saskatoon, for 18 years with husband Maurice; executive positions with Lakeland Lamb Growers; member of the Gully Riding Club, where she was also music director of the drill team; member of Northwest Hereford Ladies; entertainment committee member of Milleton Community Hall; volunteer with the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association; member of the Maidstone Altar Society; Reiki consultant; photographer at weddings, graduations, bull sales, Hereford events, 4-H events and many other occasions; member and leader of 4-H. Ellen was recognized for her volunteer efforts in 2013 with the Maidstone Eldon Recreation Board Volunteer of the Year Award. Along with Maurice and Harold and Alice Oddan, Ellen was inducted into the Northwest Hereford Zone Honour Roll in 2010, and they were named Northwest Hereford Zone Breeders of the Year in 2016.

4-H was a particularly important part of Ellen’s life, and her leadership spanned six projects and 36 years, with involvement from the local to national levels, including serving on many committees, and executive positions, organizing countless events, judging many competitions and travelling to conferences or chaperoning members on trips. She was a staunch advocate of public speaking and coordinated public speaking competitions at all levels of 4-H. She was inducted into the Provincial 4-H Hall of Fame in 2007 and the District 35 4-H Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Memorial Service for Ellen was conducted from the Stockade Convention Centre, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on July 24, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., with Father Sebastian Kunnath officiating.

Scripture readers were Carol Walker, Keith Pike and Eleanor Pegg. The eulogy was presented by Karen Johnston, Peggy Ferguson, Ruth Presley, Lora Brendle and MaryAnn Carson. “Amazing Grace” was performed by Ellen’s cousins, accompanied by Eileen Evans. The cross bearer was Alice Oddan; candle bearers were Cougen Pegg and Eleanor Pegg; urn bearer was Maurice Oddan; and bearers of memorial roses were Carter Oddan and Lincoln Oddan. The honourary pallbearers were all the friends and family who shared in Ellen’s life.

Interment was held in the Maidstone Cemetery, Maidstone, Saskatchewan.

Donations in memory of Ellen may be made to the Pine Island Suites, Maidstone, Saskatchewan or the Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation.

McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

Maurice, Mark and Tracy would like to thank: all the doctors, nurses and hospital staff in Saskatoon and Maidstone who’ve helped Ellen and her family throughout this journey; all those involved in or who attended the memorial service; all those who gave cards, flowers, donations; and the close family and friends who have provided food, cleaning services, home care, love and support over the past several months.

Ellen's memorial card can be viewed or downloaded from the below link.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/dd3a3a9d-bd41-4ddf-8061-9a4b1e055160

A Celebration of the Life of Phoebe Ellen Oddan
May 18, 1953 - July 18, 2017
By Karen Johnston

Good afternoon, I’m Karen Johnston, part of the Waseca “Pike clan.”

Phoebe Ellen Oddan was born May 18, 1953 in Maidstone, SK, to Ronald and Helena Pike. She will be dearly missed by Maurice, her husband of 42 years, son, Mark, daughter in-law, Tracy, grandsons, Carter and Lincoln, Ellen’s mom, Helena, Maurice’s mom, Agnes, his sisters, Carol (and husband Bruce) Walker, Faye (and Ervin) Blanchard, Frances Leachman, his brothers, Harold (and Alice), Virden (and Lisa), their children and grandchildren, cherished aunts, uncle, cousins, dear friends and neighbours. She was pre-deceased by her dad, Ronald, Maurice’s dad, Vick, Frances’ husband, Buddy, grandsons, Asher and Declan, as well as much loved aunts, uncles and cousins.

Eileen Evans shared an early memory of Ellen and her kittens that she pushed around in a baby carriage. She was an intelligent little chatterbox with a wild imagination. Making up stories about those kittens, bound and determined they were true events and trying to convince everyone of the fact.

Uncle Ronald loved to tell this story about Ellen. At about six years old, on trips to town, Teddy Snell used to bug her and wouldn’t stop. He told her to flatten him next time. Sure enough, it happened again, and she punched Ted square in the nose! She could be a bit feisty.

She was raised on the farm north of Waseca, SK, surrounded by extended family. She began her school years in Forest Bank, then about grade four moved to Waseca where her Mom taught, then climbed the bus to the Maidstone High School. She excelled and graduated a year ahead of her class. Because she was so young, she decided, or her parents let her think she decided, to attend Reeves Business College in Lloyd. She began working here while applying to the University of Saskatchewan to pursue her degree in Education. Her first jobs landed her at Winston Churchill and Neville Goss schools in Lloydminster, then on to Lashburn, Waseca and Hillmond. She later was a substitute teacher in Lashburn, Hillmond and Maidstone.

Ellen and I grew up two miles apart. Our dads were brothers. I am number five of six, so she came into a house of built-in brothers and sisters, full of noise and chaos, and I escaped to her house for quiet and peace.

We are a year apart in age so we experienced a lot of firsts together. First horse back ride on Auntie Christine’s miserable Shetland pony – Ellen caught the riding bug; I caught the ground. We went camping, she beat me at Monopoly, we played high school sports and joined 4-H.

We shared a love of music and sang at weddings and other celebrations, together, or with sisters and cousins. It was more fun getting together to practice than to perform, as busy lives pulled us all apart.

When we participated at the local music festival with great Auntie Dot’s choir, Ellen decided which mini skirt was short enough and the whitest shade of lipstick to drive the poor old woman crazy.

We snuck our first cigarette and drank our first beer. We shared Saturday night escapades, secrets and boyfriends.

Until she set her cap at her cowboy that is. He didn’t stand a chance. They were married in July of 1975. She spent the previous winter sewing her own wedding dress and some of our bridesmaid dresses too. They purchased and moved on to the Nelson farm North of the Gully (19.5 miles north of Maidstone) to begin life together.

When Mark arrived she was so thrilled, tucking him under her arm as she moved through life. I knew about every milestone you reached, Mark – every class, every performance. I think she knew Tracy was the one for you before you told her. Having a daughter was a dream come true. It took some talking to get her to buy that outfit for your wedding. She thought it was too fancy.

If you know us, you know we like to talk.  Our phone calls could be long as we each fought for our share of the conversation. She listened as I bragged about my grandchildren and she bragged about hers. Ellie lit up when her little boys came in the room.

Auntie Helena’s health crisis last year was a mixed blessing for their family, as Ellie spent every day for months by her Mom’s bedside, caring for her, demanding she regain her strength and spending cherished time together.

When Ellen’s damn cancer returned after six short years, she faced it positively with strength, humour and grace. Then it was her family’s turn to care for her, and support her as well as anyone could wish for.

Ellen was strongminded, (read bossy), competitive, irreverent, sarcastic, fun and loyal. She worked hard, played hard and threw herself full force into everything she did. She was a teacher in the classroom, in the music room, in the barn and the 4-H club. She was a farmer, rancher, book keeper, gardener, community volunteer, photographer, homemaker, devoted daughter, loving wife, proud Mom, delighted Gammy and dear friend,

There’s another empty place at the family table that will be impossible to fill. It’s a sad day for us all.

Tribute to Ellen Oddan
By Peggy Ferguson, Ruth Presley and Lora Brendle

Our dear Ellen, we will miss you! How can we ever even pretend to touch on all he important events of your life?

I'll begin with SOME of Ellen’s many accomplishments:

*Graduated Reeves Business College Lloydminster

*Graduated University with a bachelor of education

*Piano, guitar, and voice teacher with students attending Lloyd music festival many years as well as the provincial music festival

*Figure skater and coach

*Worked as Secretary Ellis Hall Saskatoon

*Constituency assistant for Violet Stanger, MLA

*Reiki consultant

*Adjudicator for Marg memorial Turtleford

*Member/Competitor Spots on the Border

*Accomplished horse rider, trainer, show rider, competitive trail rider, roper and English rider

*Secretary/Manager, Red Carpet Hereford Show & Sale in Saskatoon for 18 years, with husband, Maurice

*Member, Northwest Hereford Ladies

*Milleton Hall member and on entertainment committee

*Lakeland Lamb Growers

*4-H Leader and Volunteer

*Gully Riding club member, drill team member and music director

*Volunteer, Lloydminster Exhibition

*Member, Maidstone Altar Society

*Photographer at weddings, grads, 4-H, bull sales, Hereford association events, Agribition, Red Carpet, and many other occasions

*She even took an artificial insemination course.... I think Ellen could have done anything she set her mind to.

Living “North of the Gully,” Ellen belonged to Milleton Hall. Which brings to mind making flat bread for the annual Swedish Smorgasbord we hold every fall.....Oh my, what fun times we had! One year, or possibly more, someone brought wine, well, that was a BAD choice! Although I must interject here and tell you that liquor was never responsible for our silliness, we were capable of that without a drop... Clocks MIGHT have been turned forward to coin the phrase "It’s eleven o’clock somewhere." One time involved a trip to the ER for a minor injury, and flour often was found deep underneath and behind furniture in the next spring's cleaning bee.....But the funniest of these sessions was when the Schwanns salesman made his visit during one of our baking sprees, only to find Peggy with an empty flour bag on her head, and the other three in a fit of giggles. The salesman hasn't been seen in the neighborhood since.

As an only daughter, Ellen looked after her mother, Helena. She attended all appointments with her, and was quick to be by her mom's side when needed.

Maurice, you were lucky to have had Ellen as your wife and partner. We, her close friends, often questioned her ironing a crease in your blue jeans......"Not gonna happen in our houses!" we told her. She ignored us and kept on ironing!  Countless hours she spent in the office, making tags, preparing the annual Misty Valley sale catalogue and keeping perfect records of the purebred cattle.  Her sheep and lambs were her pride and joy.  Hours were spent in the saddle checking and sorting critters. She always loved animals, cats (Snoopy, Mali), Border Collies (Bob, Tina, Sage) and Appaloosa horses (Lucky and many others). As harvest rolled around, Ellen capably operated the combine and the square baler. She prepared home cooked meals for whoever happened to be there at meal time, and her organized deep freeze was always full of extra meals and baking.

Ellen's greatest accomplishment and joy was raising Mark. Often she would pull in LATE with Mark in tow, where someone would happily take him off her hands. Wednesday night rides for the Gully Riding Club found Mark seat-belted in to the saddle and led on a quiet horse. There were some tense moments, like when Mark’s horse, L’il Joe got stung ...

Over the years, Mark was in many drama productions. Ellen would load up the suburban, and off we would go to watch and enjoy the performances. Oh dear, poor Mark! I'll bet he shuddered when Ellen ordered eight tickets, as that meant “full bus” coming!  One time we decided we should all wear matching blouses and jewellery. We purchased loose purple flowered blouses and gaudy necklaces.  Ellen, knowing she was out-numbered, donned the matching clothes and jewellery. Imagine Ellen in purple flowers??? We laughed when we met Tracy for supper, who had also decided to wear purple that evening!  During supper Tracy announced she and Mark were expecting. We will always treasure the happiness and laughter of that evening.  Another time, when the title of the play had "Chickens” in it, someone decided that rubber gloves on one’s head made one look like a rooster! Remember the crowing coming from the audience, Mark? 

When Mark and Tracy were married, Karen helped Ellen choose her mother of the groom dress, and Ellen looked simply stunning at the wedding. She finally had the daughter she always wanted.  And Maurice got the best birthday gift ever....a new daughter.

Mark is now employed with STARS air ambulance as Saskatchewan Communications Lead. Ellen was so proud of him.

The next chapter of Ellen’s life began as “Gammy.” How she doted on those two precious boys, Carter and Lincoln! Gifts were purchased months ahead for special occasions, and sometimes just because.... She made sure they had up-to-date western garb, and they do look adorable in their jeans, boots and hats.

Ellen LOVED horseback riding trips to the mountains. Days were spent packing items in labelled Rubbermaid tubs and hours spent setting up camp once we arrived, as the Oddan tent had three rooms complete with closets. Ellen would have everything and anything imaginable packed. If we forgot it, she had it, and instantly found it. We became lazy about our packing – why worry if we forgot something , Ellen would for sure have anything we needed.  Camping in the mountains was wonderful – breathtaking scenery, riding, waterfalls, lakes, steep trails, campfires, Washoos games, and entertainment.... with us it was always entertaining. The 'Cowboy Shower" was usually a source of laughter, and pranks played. We never had many riding incidents, but once while he was mounting his horse, a fat guy fell on Dennis' elbow and we heard the story repeatedly all evening......and even still.

Oddans’ New Years Day was a great way to begin the New Year, starting with a huge brunch followed by a marathon domino game and, of course, more to eat. Do any of you have any idea how long it takes to play a full game of dominoes, Ellen rules, with a set of 12? The meals were always prepared in advance by our very organized hostess.

For many years a small group of us met together for a casserole potluck supper after which we went community Christmas carolling. We tried to visit families who had experienced illness or injury during that year. Our modes of transportation were often quite “redneck.” The casserole idea came from Ellen, attempting to convert Rodney into enjoying casseroles.

Our annual trips to the Canadian Finals Rodeo in Edmonton were a blast! Ellen would take the suburban into Olco Automotive in Maidstone to get it road-ready, and then detail the inside. A time would be set to leave for Edmonton. Even the rodeo had traditions, such as shopping at all the western stores, and long, long breakfasts. These questions were asked every single year: How many fully dressed adults fit on top a King-sized bed? Where's “Blue”? Why is the UNO deck short so many cards? What time do we depart? Real time or “Oddan time”? Who is the city driver, and who is the navigator?  

Ellen was a traditionalist. She was loyal, she loved order, and she was very private, and I'm certain that she actually invented the list. We could always count on the same foods served at occasions. Each occasion had its own list. That's where her lists came in handy, kept in a special place for next year's event. However, Ellen was always up for something new to be added, and after year one, if enjoyed it also became a tradition with its own list.

She loved order and disorder equally. When she sent you to find something in her house, she told you exactly what corner of the deep freeze or cupboard you would find it, and sure enough, there it was.  I never knew anyone else could spend an hour explaining why she didn't have an hour to visit. She was seldom on time, and claimed it was the "late Oddans," to blame, although we never could figure out what Maurice had to do with her being late when she was on her own. Ellen was loyal to a fault, but if you ever made her mad, oh my! I did a couple of times and I might have had to work hard to get back into her "good books." 

Ellen was a very private person concerning her personal life. if you asked a question she deemed to be “none of your business" she would either tell you politely (or not) to be quiet,  or totally ignore that you'd ever asked the question. She, however, was not so private when it came to shedding her street clothes after the rodeo and donning pajamas to play UNO.

When Ellen was first diagnosed with cancer, she told each of us privately, swearing us to secrecy, and explicitly instructing us how she wanted to be treated. She wanted no sympathy, only to be treated the same as we always had. We were able to do just that. When her hair began to fall out, we each bought her a hat to wear....no, not normal nice hats, but blingy hats, and animal toques, etc.  And we continued doing all the same silly things that we had participated in together. Each of us noticed a shift to a new depth in our friendship,  as we were all faced with our own mortality.

Lora and Ellen had a monthly date to head to Spruce Lake for a massage. After the massage, they had lunch with Lora's sister. Ellen couldn't wait to find out what soup Loretta had made for their visit. Ellen frequently dropped in for a quick spur-of-the-moment coffee at Brendles, which often lasted hours. Ellen was especially kind and understanding of Lora's illness, often gently massaging her or doing a Reiki session.

I'd like to end with some wise words from my grandson: “Losing someone is like never being able to see the colour blue again. You can go on and, you can be happy, but the world looks permanently different, and you can never forget what it used to look like.”

But don't forget the wise words of Winnie the Pooh, which help us look at the other side: "How lucky I am to have had something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

True friends accept each other, honor each other, forgive each other and always love each other. Thanks, Ellen.

Ellen, I will never forget the fun and laughter, our heart-to-heart talks and all the things we did together. You were my rock when I needed one. I will always love you and keep you in my heart. So, goodbye for now, until we meet again, my friend.

Feel no guilt in laughter
She knows how much you care,
Feel no sorrow in a smile
That she's not there to share
You cannot grieve forever
She would not want you to
She'd hope that you would carry on
The way you always do
So talk about the good times
And the ways you showed you cared
The days you spent together
And the happiness you shared
Let memories surround you
A word someone might say
Will suddenly recapture
A time, an hour, a day
That brings her back as clearly
As though she was still here
And fills you with the feelings
That say she's always near
For if you keep these moments
You will never be apart
And they will live forever
Safely locked within your heart.

 

4-H Tribute to Ellen Oddan

By MaryAnn Carson

 

I would like to extend condolences from my family to Maurice, Mark, Tracy and boys as well as their extended families.

I was very touched to have Maurice ask me to pay tribute to Ellen and her 4-H career.  It was rather ironic that the day before I had been thinking about all the things she’d done and been involved in.  Also, there had been a beautiful tribute to her on Facebook.  Yes Ellen, I know you didn’t believe in Facebook, but not everything on Facebook is gossip.  All these comments posted were true.  The young man who posted said “she was the best 4-H leader ever and had made 4-H special for him.  She was called a mentor and that a big part of her life was helping young people who have benefited from her wisdom.  She taught in a fun, caring way and influenced a lot of young people to become great adults.  These are all truths and were who Ellen was.”

I cannot imagine the number of lives that Ellen touched in 4-H over a 36 year span of leadership from 1977 to 2013.  She started her career as a member of the Forest Bank 4-H Club and then continued when she became a leader in the Maidstone Gully Multiple 4-H Club.  The word ‘multiple’ was due in part to Ellen’s influence to make all projects inclusive for members.  Our club has a reputation for having different projects – or should we say odd and unusual – also in part to Ellen’s innovative ideas.  She led Light Horse, Extra Light Horse, Sheep, Photography, Drinks and Doilies and Exploring 4-H.  Now you may ask ‘drinks and doilies’? Ellen and two girls, my daughter Louise Carson and Lindy Vancha, concocted a project where they would learn to crochet doilies and then make blender drinks to taste test.  I’m sure Ellen’s kitchen was never the same.  I recall going to get Louise from a meeting to find all of them laughing hysterically as juice dripped from the ceiling and the cupboards. Ellen said she’d bet that neither one of them would forget to hold the blender lid again and oh well she needed to house clean anyways.  I recall one fall when she phoned me and said we’re going to have a “jackass’ in light horse.  My first thought was ‘who was joining?’ but she was quick to explain that Daran Eggeson was bringing his donkey in.  The laughter and jokes that this brought to her was unsurpassed.  Ellen was always involved with numerous committees in the club and was adept at knowing what needed to be done.  She took just about all our club pictures and always got the club album done with members even if it was quite often at the last minute.  She made sure there were always pictures of everything for every member.

At a district level, Ellen served on the district executive as president for two years and as treasurer for several.  She served on many district committees including public speaking, hall of fame, travel, curling and fun days.  Of these, I think that public speaking and travel were her favorites. Learning how to articulate your thoughts in front of a crowd was something she thought everyone needed to learn. As for travel, why anyone wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to go with other 4-Hers and see the country while having fun was beyond her.

For at least ten years, Ellen assisted with the 4-H judging and grooming clinic at the Lloydminster Exhibition, where she also provided stock and judging lessons.  Helping on this committee also got her involved in the Ag Ed days at the Exhibition, which she enjoyed immensely.  Once again, the teacher had the opportunity to mold and shape young minds.

She served on the northwest regional council for 11 years, acting as president for three of those and was one of the region’s Key Leaders for some time.  At a provincial level, Ellen was a district leader representative to council and served on the scholarship committee for several years.  She was a counselor for the 4-H selections program, took part in the Leader’s puzzle program and attended the National 4-H Volunteer Leader’s Conference in Toronto in 1980.  She also chaperoned the International 4-H Judging Seminar at Agribition.  District 35 hosted two provincial public speaking competitions, which Ellen was there to help organize and fulfill our commitments.  She did a significant amount of judging at all levels of 4-H.

In 2007, our club and district nominated Ellen to be inducted into the Provincial 4-H Hall of Fame.  I tried to keep it a secret, but as usual I couldn’t get it by her.  I think she really enjoyed the evening, having so many 4-H friends there to reminisce with.  The following spring, in 2008, Maurice and Ellen were inducted together into the District 35 4-H Hall of Fame, another deserving award.  In 2011, I was inducted into the provincial Hall of Fame, and Ellen came on icy roads to be there for me as my 4-H family, where once again we enjoyed old friends’ company together.  In 2013, our club nominated Ellen for a volunteer award through the Eldon Rec. Board.  This one surprised her, and our club was pleased to be able to support her at the banquet.

Her legacy will live on in 4-H, and there will be constant reminders of her influence.  Her emphasis put on public speaking and record books are ever present in our club.  Traditions like our candle lighting ceremony and cowboy beans for Achievement Day dinner will remind us of her.  I miss Ellen’s whistle.  Whenever there was a need to have everyone pay attention, you just had to look at her and a loud, shrill whistle would ensue with dead quiet to follow.  When we changed uniforms years ago, Ellen was adamant that we have ties.  She said they finished off the uniform and looked professional.  So I made yellow ties.  Now many years later, different leader, different uniforms, I made blue ties when they were requested.  Her Christmas 4-H parties were always number one on her list.  She would have a meeting, supper and then games.  It was quite often taco salad for supper and then the horse racing game with Christmas candy used to bet.  It must have been a hit because now a generation later, Louise is leader and the tradition carries on.

So as you can see, a part of her will always be with us. Ellen not only shared her love for 4-H with her members, but with her family.  Being able to share inordinate hours with Mark and his projects as well as Maurice being a leader was high quality family time for her.

So to sum things up… Having fun while learning was something that Ellen strongly believed in.  She lived by the 4-H motto, ‘Learn to do by doing’ as she professed that members needed to do things for themselves, not have it done for them.  Her diplomacy and willingness to teach was always an asset at all levels.  She had a knack for “seeing the big picture” and a sense of humor that carried through in all her activities.  She had a way of encouraging people instead of pushing them toward their goals.

So as we continue to live day to day, remember to pledge our heads to clearer thinking—Ellen always thought things through; our hearts to greater loyalty—Ellen was true to 4-H and her friends; our hands to larger service—Ellen always promoted community involvement; and our health to better living—Ellen continued on even when her body was giving out.  We bid farewell to a memorable lady.  Ellen, rest in peace, my friend and 4-H companion.