Ella Marie Jansma, 75, of Laurel, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday January 15, 2020.

 

Ella was born June 20, 1944 in Albany, Missouri, to William and Helen (Thatcher) Wood.

Ella was their fifth child.

 

In 1947, Ella and her family moved to Reedpoint, Montana, where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Reedpoint High School with

honors (valedictorian) in 1962.

 

Following  graduation, she met and fell in love with David Jansma. They were  married February 28, 1963 in Columbus and together raised three children..

 

 Being a Mom was her priority, though she had many talents, such as creating beautiful cakes, sewing quilts, and crafting.

 

Ella had worked for Kuchera Furniture, St Vincent Hospital, and Core

Enterprise, from where she retired. After retirement, she cherished time

with her grandkids and great grandkids, all of whom were loved and

cherished.

 

Left to cherish Ella’s memory is her husband of 57 years, Dave; children Terri Jansma, Todd (Melanie) Jansma, and Troy (Patty) Jansma; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren;

brothers Bob (Diana)Wood of Laurel, Ervin (Peggy) Wood of Laurel, Boyd (Rozella) Wood of Asotin, WA, sister Alice (Vern) Harman of Post falls, ID, several nieces and nephews, and many friends.

 

Ella was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and her youngest sister.