Ellen Swendsen

Sarah Ellen Swendsen, 98, went to heaven on July 27, 2024, after residing at Baptist Health. 

A burial will be held at 2:00 PM, Monday, August 5, 2024, at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Sarah, also known as Ellen, was born on November 26, 1925, in McClusky, ND to Thomas Henry and Bertha (Abel) Turnbull. Ellen grew up in McClusky and attended McClusky High School where she graduated in 1943. 

On September 11, 1943, Ellen married Harry Swendsen. They were married for 68 years before Harry passed away. She and Harry had no children.

Ellen worked as a bookkeeper for MDU in Hettinger, ND for 40 years. After retirement, she and Harry moved to Portugal for one year where they traveled through Europe extensively. 

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; her parents; sister, Donna; and two brothers, Milton and Thomas. 

She is survived by one brother, Cuthbert, of South Dakota; and numerous nieces and nephews scattered all over the United States.