Ellen Hafen Woods

Ellen Hafen Woods Ellen Woods, age 79, peacefully "returned home" to greet her family on the other side of the veil on March 28, 2013, surrounded by her loving family, at her home in Mesquite, NV.

Ellen was born on October 16, 1933 in Mesquite, NV to Albert Luther and Vonda Reber Hafen. She was raised in Mesquite on a small ranch and enjoyed running bare foot in the river with her two sisters and two brothers. She loved the beautiful creations of her Heavenly Father and spent her childhood tending to "bow back" horses, "orphaned" calves, "stray" dogs and "new born" baby kittens. Ellen loved horses and as a beautiful young woman, she was crowned "Miss Mesquite Rodeo Queen".

As a young adult, Ellen met a young man from Barkley, NV and fell in love with his spunky "attitude"and good looks. She later married her eternal companion, Cresent Marion Woods on September 5, 1950 in the St. George Temple, St. George Utah. They made their new home in Mesquite where they raised 8 "spunky" children (with the help of several pomegranate switches).

Beyond her devotion as an outstanding wife and mother, Ellen lived a life of service, always putting herself last. She continued to tend to those in need by sharing her talents of cooking, gardening, sewing, quilting, nurturing and loving. She was always taking in, feeding, caring and loving those in need. Her children said, "when she called us home for supper, the whole neighborhood would come running". She will always be remembered by the children of the neighborhood as, "the other mother".

Ellen served as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Because of her love to serve others, she fulfilled and inspired all those she taught. She served in many different callings within the church, which included serving for many years as Primary President and Relief Society President. She loved the Gospel and her family with all her heart.

After her children were raised, Ellen spent many years at the Virgin Valley Schools working with the children and teachers as a Teachers Assistant.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Cresent; sons, Kerry (Sue), Gary (Teresa), Randy (Nani), Jeffery (Yolanda), Joseph (Kelly); daughters, Cathy, Linda, and Vonda (Clay); brother, Richard Hafen. She was blessed with 41 grandchildren, 99 great grandchildren (2 more on the way), 2 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Luther and Vonda Reber Hafen; her brother Keith Hafen; 2 sisters, Carol and Ann.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at the Mesquite Stake Center, 100 N. Arrowhead, Mesquite, NV. Viewings will be held Tuesday, April 2, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Stake Center and prior to services from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will be in the Mesquite Cemetery.