Ellen M. Lenhardt, 83, New England, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 20, 2024 at CountryHouse Residence, Dickinson. Ellen’s Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, October 26, 2024 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, New England with Fr. Dennis Schafer as celebrant. Interment will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, New England. Visitation will be from from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson with a rosary and vigil at 6 p.m. with Deacon Victor Dvorak presiding. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the Mass at the church.
Ellen M. Braun was born May 20, 1941 to George and Margaret (Jung) Braun in New England. She was raised and educated in New England and graduated from New England St. Mary’s. She went on to attend Dickinson State College, having received a degree in Education. Ellen taught grade school in Baker, MT. and St. Mary’s in New England. She still would talk about her students with love.
She married her high school sweetheart, Nick Lenhardt, on August 22, 1964. They took over the Lenhardt family farm. Together they shared a love of farm life and farming that continued on with their daughter and granddaughters to this day.
Ellen’s love of antiques led to the opening of the antique store “Maine Attractions”, which she operated with her sister, Bunny Held. The many years at the store formed numerous friendships.
She spent her last two years at CountryHouse Residence in Dickinson. Here she was lovingly cared for and always referred to everyone as ‘honey’. Even though she struggled with her memory during this time, she always remembered her family and her sense of humor remained intact.
Ellen is survived by her daughter, Penny (Mike Schoch), granddaughters, Tahya (Jaxon Heilman), and Tennille; sisters, Dianne Sorenson, Eileen (Larry) Lechler, and Bunny Held; brother, Larry (Val) Braun; numerous cherished and loved nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Nick, on February 26, 2018; her parents; mother and father-in-law, Peter and Lena Lenhardt; nephews, Stuart Lechler and Richard Schultz; niece Diana Roller; brothers-in-law, Ron Sorenson and Dorlyn Held; and many beloved pets.
