Ellen Louise Goracke, 78, of LaSalle, Colorado, passed away on Saturday, February 17, 2024, in Greeley. She was born on February 23, 1945, in Spearfish, South Dakota, to Joseph Alfred Howes and Evelyn (Wilson) Howes. After graduating from high school, she married Oren L. Goracke on December 23, 1963, in Miltonvale, Kansas. After moving to Colorado, they lived in Greeley, Eaton, and LaSalle.

She was a dedicated homemaker and loved to make people happy. She crocheted afgans and baby blankets for friends and family members, enjoyed gardening, canning and always had lots of flowers to care for. She taught in a Christian school and was a member of the Greeley Bible Missionary Church.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Oren Goracke, a son, Brent Goracke, both of LaSalle, Colorado, three daughters, Debra Durr (Ken) of Guyana, South America, Denise Walker (Michael) of Greeley, Colorado, and Dorene Miller (Paul) of Fairfield, Iowa. Also, a brother, Don Howes (Cheryl) of Zephyrhills, Florida, a sister, Joyce Brothe (Tom) of Evans, Colorado, 17 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Evelyn Howes, a brother, David Howes, a sister, Linda Withrow, and a daughter, Diane McKinney.

A visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Moser Funeral Service Chapel, 3501 11th Ave. in Evans, Colorado. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, also at the funeral chapel. Interment will be at Mizpah Cemetery in Platteville, Colorado.