Ellen Ruth Watford, age 93 passed away on Thursday, July 19, 2018, at Hanson Hospice Center of Stevensville, Michigan. She was born February 14, 1925, to the late William (Bill) and Emma Krueger in Hutchinson, Minnesota. She was a longtime resident of the South Bend area with her husband after his retirement from the Army, but had spent the last 3 years living at Caretel Inns of Lakeland in Saint Joseph, Michigan. After graduation from Hutchinson High School in 1942, she attended a year of teacher training. She taught school for one year, then worked as a secretary in Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Washington DC, and Anchorage. She met her husband, Chalmous Clyde Watford, while she worked in Alaska and he was stationed there in the Army. As a wife of an Army officer, she lived in Alaska, Chicago, Italy, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, France, and Taiwan while raising their two sons, Trent and Wayne. After Chalmous retired from the Army, the family moved to Mishawaka, Indiana, in 1971. A few years later, Ellen and Chalmous moved to South Bend. When their health declined, they relocated to Caretel Inns in Saint Joseph. Ellen was dedicated to her faith in God and was active in church, often playing the piano or teaching children. She is survived by her husband Chalmous, sons, Trent (Lynelle) Watford of St. Joseph, Michigan; Wayne (Lana) Watford Redondo Beach, California; grandchildren Jonathan Watford, Jay Watford, and Sara Watford as well as great grandchildren, Alyxis Watford and Avey Watford. She is also survived by a sister Majorie Alice Melom of Minnesota. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Marvin and sisters, Ethel Jacobson and Irene Bauder and grandson Nathan Watford. In honor of Ellen's legacy, her family requests that memorial donations be directed to Hanson Hospice Center, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, MI 49085 or Life Action Ministries at PO Box 31, Buchanan, MI 49107 c/o Stephani & Mark Wuthnow. Ellen and Chalmous sponsored the Wuthnow's for many years through Life Action Ministries and donations received will help with home improvements providing respite to foster families. Visitation for Mrs. Watford will be held from 12pm – 1pm on Monday, July 23 ^rd at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Hwy, Osceola, Indiana with funeral service to follow at 1 pm at the funeral home. Family and friends may gather at Community Baptist Church for a luncheon afterwards. To share a remembrance of Ellen or offer condolences to her family, please visit chapelhillmemorial.com.