Obituary
Ellen Anderson Seedall
July 16th, 1941 - October 26th, 2024
Ellen Anderson Seedall, 83, of Idaho Falls, passed away October 26, 2024, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center.
She was born on July 16, 1941, in Rexburg, Idaho, to Stanley and Glenice Anderson. She left a profound and lasting legacy of love, kindness, and service. As the second oldest of five sisters—Cora Lea, Charla, Reva, and Eunice—Ellen’s early years were filled with the joys of sisterhood and the strong family values that shaped her character. She graduated from Madison High School and later attended Ricks College, where her deep sense of empathy and hard work became evident in everything she pursued.
In 1963, Ellen married the love of her life, Gary Lynn Seedall, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their marriage was not just a union of hearts but a partnership built on shared faith, love, and adventure. Together, they built a beautiful life in the Mud Lake and Idaho Falls area, where they raised their two children, Teri Ellen (Collin) Prince and Nathan Gary (Cindy) Seedall. Ellen cherished her role as a mother above all else in life, pouring her love into her children and nurturing them with endless support and wisdom that continued to her last breath. Her love for each was evident in all she said and did.
As her family grew, so did her legacy of love. Ellen was a proud grandmother to eleven grandchildren: Shelbi (Andrew) Bailey, Victoria (Justin) Jenkins, Madeleine (Austin) Prince-Richards, Nicholas (Cassidy) Seedall, Abigail (Brady) Meacham, Ryan (Kanryn) Prince, Natalie Seedall, Andie Prince, Lucas Seedall, Cameron Seedall, and Bo Prince; and four step-grandsons: Craig, Trent, Bryce, and Max Butikofer. She adored each of them with the same kindness and warmth she gave to her children, always eager to listen, guide, and embrace. She spent many hours teaching her grandchildren sewing, crafts, and cooking skills and never had anything but kind and encouraging words for each of her grandchildren. Her grandchildren would frequently call or visit her knowing they would be uplifted by her love and kind words for doing so. She blessed their lives immensely. Her love further extended to 14 great-grandchildren: Ellen, Henry, Benjamin, and Wallace Bailey; Hudson, Allison, Carter, and Grace Jenkins; Thomas, Miller-Layne, and Isla Prince; James and William Seedall; and Lucille Meacham.
Ellen’s life was rich with passions that brought her joy and fulfillment. She loved quilting, sewing, floriculture, and antiques, all of which reflected her attention to detail and appreciation for beauty. She had a particular fondness for puzzles and embarked on spontaneous road trips and adventures with Gary, creating cherished memories of laughter, exploration, and love. She was deeply committed to her community and spent many years on the Mud Lake City Counsel where she was instrumental in the development of the Mud Lake City Building, library and tennis courts. Ellen also spent many years working at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, Hunter Farm Supply & Grain Elevator, and later at Idaho Falls OBGYN, where she earned the admiration of her colleagues for her strong work ethic and generosity toward others.
Her faith was the solid anchor of her life. As a devout member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Ellen exemplified the teachings of Christ through her constant acts of love and charity. She was a woman of great spiritual strength who always strived to see the best in others. Her love for the Lord was mirrored in her love for her family, whom she placed above all else.
Ellen was known for her boundless generosity, kindness, and grace. She often told her children and grandchildren, “Be kind,” words that encapsulate the essence of her character. She never hesitated to lend a hand or offer support to anyone in need, and her home was always a place of warmth and comfort. Visits to grandma’s home were cause for joy in each of the grandchildren she loved so much. Ellen had a unique ability to make everyone feel special and loved, and her kindness touched the lives of all who knew her.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Gary, her parents Stanley and Glenice Anderson, her sisters Charla Lichtenberg, Reva Johnson, and Eunice Tsantis, and her great-grandson Henry David Bailey. Ellen left this world surrounded by her loving family. Her departure was one of peace, as she looked forward to reuniting with her family and her Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ellen Anderson Seedall’s life was a testament to faith, family, and unconditional love. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, compassion, and grace that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her. Her impact on the world, especially on the lives of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, will never be forgotten. She was, and always will be, a shining example of what it means to live a life full of love, service, and faith.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends Friday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be at the Burton Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com