Ellen Cris Bagley Bolliger (Hille)
02/02/1961 – 02/20/2024
Although ALS took Ellen’s life, it didn’t steal her spirit. As her abilities became less and less,
her smile was always there, lighting up her face.
Born in Artesia, California, Ellen was the youngest child, and only girl, born to Caren Chadwick
Bagley and LaDell H. Bagley. She has two older brothers Val and Bret. She graduated
from Mission Viejo High School and attended Saddleback College. Ellen married Kent Smith
and together they had three daughters and adopted one son — Kristen, Kimberly, Kendra,
and Robbie. They later divorced. Ellen married Lyndon G. Bolliger, who later passed away.
Ellen was fortunate to marry again, to Steven J. Hille and they built a life together, enjoying
their pets, travel, outdoor ATV activities and adding friends to their lives.
Beautiful woodworking, impressive photography, and raising gorgeous orchids and other
plants were a few of the hobbies and talents Ellen developed and enjoyed.
After working for Jordan Valley Water Conservancy District, where she enjoyed working
with and loved her co-workers, Ellen and Steve retired to Fruitland, Utah where her retirement
plans were cut short. Steve was there to love and care for her as her body was ravaged
by this heartbreaking disease.
Ellen is survived by her husband Steve, children Kristen, Kimberly, and Robbie; step children,
Ryan, Melissa and Ashley, 13 grand-children and one great-grandchild; mother, Caren
Mostert, brothers Val and Bret, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. She is preceded
in death by her father LaDell, daughter Kendra and second husband Lyndon.
Thank you to one of her favorite cousins, Gene Hoopes of Dalton – Hoopes Funeral Home
and Cremation Center; Grantsville, Utah for her end of life care.
A private memorial service will be held, after which Ellen has chosen cremation.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at daltonhoopes.com.
3 Comments
I worked with Ellen at Jordan Valley Water for the last 15 yrs and I will miss her terribly. I enjoyed our conversation and she was always happy and willing to help everyone. I will remember her always, she was a great lady and friend.
Steve, Kim, Kristen, Val, and family,
I was very sorry to hear about the loss of Ellen. I was so grateful to have been given the opportunity of living in the basement for 10 years. While it helped me out immensely as a divorced mom, Ellen (and Steve) provided security, kindness, and friendship while living with them and working w/ her at JVWCD…providing a mom-like guidance. She was always wanting to share nibbles of treats (candies, cookies, pastries, practically anything sweet), share recipes, lead an ear, share a Vodka & Redbull, and encourage whatever dreams I was chasing at that moment. She will be greatly missed. My condolences.
I knew Ellen in High School, she was a year younger than me. She was quiet and shy with the girls and made friends fast with the guys. Alot of us were jealous of her ease with the guys. We became good friends when out of the blue she invited me to go skiing with her in Utah. I said yes – the BEST decision I could have made. I learned that Ellen was funny, kind, and very thoughtful. What we saw on the outside was her protecting her heart. Ellen worked at a Birkenstock shoe store in Laguna Beach. I bought my first pair from her and learned to love carrot juice. I will always treasure the laughter and secrets we shared. Ellen was a treasured friend, even after we lost touch.
Love, Lori (Ysasaga) Rial
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