Ellen Soffia Rawlings (nee Johnson), passed away peacefully on Sunday January 19, 2020 at the age of 98 years at the Glenboro Health Centre, with family at her side. She leaves to mourn her loving husband of 76 years, Reg, sons Jim (Donna), of Glenboro, Eric (Elaine) of Hamiota, son-in-law, Armand Juenke (Theresa Kalika) of Lac du Bonnet, eight grandchildren: Michael (Becki), Scott (Lynnaea), Elin (Brock), David (Lora), Karen (Darren), Nick (Kim), Alan, Kristin (Zak); twelve great grandchildren: Elsie, Gage, Tess, Callum, Ewen, Kate, Ben, Sam, Matt, Jon, Jack, and Carter, as well as numerous extended relatives and friends. Ellen was predeceased by her son John (1962), daughter, Mary Ellen Juenke (2014), parents, Bjorn & Hilla Johnson, and her sister, Margaret Bjarnason. Ellen was born on May 9, 1921 and was raised on a farm four miles south of Glenboro. She attended Hecla School, a one room school house. She attended high school in Glenboro. After graduating from high school, Ellen moved to Winnipeg, where, in September 1940, she began her nurse's training at the Winnipeg General Hospital. Ellen graduated with honours, receiving three out of four possible scholarships to further her education. On October 9, 1943, Ellen married Reginald Rawlings, a flight lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Ellen's first job was at the Winnipeg General Hospital Operating room, where she worked until she gave birth to their first son, John, in 1945. The young family moved to Glenboro in 1946, when Reg began his career with his father in the Rawlings Hardware Store. Jim was born in 1947, Eric, in 1951, and Mary Ellen in 1954. Ellen was very active and involved in her church and community at all stages of her adult life. She taught Sunday School, played the organ at church, taught 4H sewing, belonged to the Ladies Aid, Ag Society, Hospital Aid, as well as being a member of the Bridge Club for over 60 years. In 1986, at the age of 65, Ellen won the 100th anniversary of the Agricultural Society Queen competition, the highlight being her dancing the Charleston. In May 2006, Ellen was nominated for the Fred Douglas Humanitarian Award. In 2009, she was awarded the Glenboro Resident of Distinction as well as the Manitoba Council on Aging recognition award. In 2012, she received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee medal. In 2017 Ellen was recognized by the Glenboro Health Auxiliary- 70 year founding member. Ellen always took a keen interest in her family, and proudly attended many of their activities, including sporting, musical, and arts events. Her home was always warm and welcoming, and she delighted in serving delicious Icelandic specialties such as vinarterta and ponnukokurs, as well as other wonderful treats from her kitchen. She loved nothing more than a visit from friends and family, and her memory was so keen that she was often sought out to share her knowledge of the past. Ellen's family would like to extend thanks to the incredibly kind and caring staffs of the Brandon Hospital Surgical Ward, Glenboro Hospital, and the Glenboro Personal Care Home. A Celebration of her life was held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at the Glenboro Kinsmen Community Hall with Sharon Hamilton officiating. She has been interred at the Glenboro Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Ellen's memory to the Glenboro and Area Foundation, (Health Care Designation), Box 147, Glenboro, MB or to Glenboro Palliative Care, Box 310, Glenboro, MB, or to the Glenboro Health Auxiliary c/o Brenda Tosh, Box 481, Glenboro, MB.

Service Details.

Service

When: Saturday, January 25th, 2020 11:00am Location: Glenboro Kinsmen Community Hall Address: . GLENBORO, MB

Interment

Location: Glenboro Cemetery Address: . GLENBORO, MB R0K 0X0

Reception

Location: Glenboro Kinsmen Community Hall Address: . GLENBORO, MB