It is with much sadness that the family of Ellen Renate Schnellinger announce her passing on the 5th of January, 2019. Ellen had been living at the Medalion Retirement Community in Colorado Springs and died peacefully in her sleep after a long illness. She was 86 years old.

Ellen was born on June 2nd, 1932, to Curt and Margot Montag in Jena, Germany. She was the first born of three children. Her family courageously escaped from Russian- occupied East Germany during WWII in 1948. They left behind loved ones, their home and all of their belongings to begin an uncertain new life in Neheim-Husten/Dusseldorf, West Germany. Ellen spoke often of her and her family’s struggles during and after the war. These experiences were the source of her strength and grace as a person.

Ellen met Herbert Wilhelm Schnellinger in 1953 while he was stationed in the American Army in Frankfurt. They married soon after and moved to the United States in 1955 where their son Thomas was born at Fort Carson Army Base in Colorado Springs. They had their second child, Monica, in Bayshore, NY and soon after returned to Colorado to raise their family in the mountain town of Chipita Park, Colorado.

Ellen and Herb retired to St. Augustine, FL in 1996 where she adored the beaches, ocean, and warm weather. One of her many interests was playing her baby-grand piano. Ellen was trained in classical music, but loved music of all kinds. She was physically active most of her life through dancing, tennis, swimming and aerobics. She made friends easily because of her smile, warmth and loyalty. She loved playing Mahjong with her many friends in both Florida and Colorado. Ellen was a spiritual woman who loved God and attended church.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband Herb, who passed away in 2010 in St. Augustine, FL.  She is survived by her son, Thomas Schnellinger (Jackie) of Hot Sulphur Springs, CO, and daughter, Monica Ramey (Rich) of Monument, CO. Ellen was beloved “Omi” to Chelsea Ruiz, Micah Schnellinger and Dustin Ramey. She was a great-grandmother to Eloisa and Noeli Ruiz. Ellen is also survived by her two siblings, Helga Smith, Colorado Springs, CO and Thomas Montag, Munich, Germany; as well as her nieces Corinna Smith and Susanne Montag.

All who loved Ellen will miss her smile, laughter, and elegance. We will miss her exclamation of “Wow-ee” anytime she was delighted by something. She will be interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, next to her husband, Herbert.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, January 25 at Woodmen Valley Chapel, 290 E. Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs. (Rockrimmon location)

All are welcome.

Memorials in Ellen’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.