Ellen Susan Pence

Ellen Susan Pence, 62, passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2019 in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Ellen was born on June 14, 1956 in Lakewood, New Jersey, the daughter of James and Nora Hampton.

She attended local schools in New Jersey before moving and graduating from high school in Italy. Ellen moved to North Idaho in the late 1970’s.

Tom Pence met Ellen and they were married in 1990.  They soon after bought a log house in Sagle, Idaho and have lived there ever since.

Ellen enjoyed work at Vanderford’s Books before becoming a checker at Harold’s IGA in Sandpoint for many years.

Ellen loved her house in the woods and filled it with wonderful treasures gathered throughout her life. She had a passion for growing things and planted magnificent gardens full of vegetables that she canned and shared and always had flowers everywhere to share and brighten everyone’s day. She loved gardening, all living creatures (especially cats!), helping others, collecting antiques, going to yard sales and she was an avid reader. 

Ellen was a loving and devoted wife and a tender and caring friend. She was a superb cook and loved having a house full of friends gathered to eat and laugh and enjoy spending time together.

Ellen will be remembered for her kind, generous, and beautiful spirit; her sweet and giving nature showed through all she did. She always remembered to let her friends know she was thinking of them by sending cards for special occasions or just to add a smile to someone’s day.

Ellen is survived by her husband Tom, a niece and two nephews along with many close friends and sisters of the heart.  She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jean Phiefer and her brother James Hampton.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at a later date when the birds are singing and the flowers are blooming.  Ellen loved animals and had many special pets throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Panhandle Animal Shelter.