OBITUARY: Barbara Lynn Ellefson

Barbara Lynn Ellefson, 88, of Washington Island, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2018, at the Good Samaritan Society – Scandia Village in Sister Bay.

She was born May 12, 1930 in Kenosha, the daughter of the late William and Eva (Roberts) Aaron.  Barbara graduated from Bradford High School in 1948.  On June 10, 1950, she was united in marriage with Richard “Dick” Ellefson at First Baptist Church.  They were happily married for 63 years before he preceded her in death on June 30, 2013.

Barbara worked at St. Catherine’s Hospital in Kenosha for 24 years before retiring in 1983.  Upon her retirement, Barbara and Dick moved to Washington Island, where she worked as an archivist for 25 years.  Barbara was a member of Bethel Community Church, Washington Island Archives, the Women’s Club, and the State Historical Society.  She was also proud to be a part of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR).

Barbara will be missed by her children, Rick Ellefson of Washington Island, Randy “Tully” (Liz) Ellefson of Washington Island, and Gay (Dick) Hecker of Waco, Texas; six grandchildren, Rich (Kerstin) Ellefson, Lance (Amy) Ellefson, Derrick (Erin) Ellefson, Theodore (Kim) Ellefson, Chad (Alesia) Ellefson, and Grace Hecker; ten great-grandchildren, Mack, Jed, and Brody, Ashley and Cal, Mackenzie and Teagan, Sam and Makayla, and Angelina; brother, William Dale (Lil) Aaron; brother-in-law, Paul (Lila) Ellefson; sister-in-law, Bernice Rugg; and many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dick Ellefson; brother-in-law, Chester “Chet” Rugg; and sister-in-law, Marilyn (Gene) Duban.

A graveside service will be held in the spring of 2019 at the Washington Island Town Cemetery.  Donations can be made in Barbara’s name to Washington Island Archives.

Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with Barbara’s family through her tribute page at www.caspersonfuneralhome.com.