Ellen Bradshaw Obituary

Ellen Ann Bradshaw, 71, passed away, Friday, April 27th, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Ellen was born in Detroit, Michigan, on October 30th 1940, to Verna and Meredith Parish. Early in her life, her family moved to Goodland, Kansas where she completed grade school and high school. She graduated from Mankato State College, with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Ellen then completed her Master's Degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha as a Reading Specialist. It was in Omaha, that she met and married her beloved husband, John Bradshaw, who was stationed there while serving in the United States Air Force. Ellen served as a devoted and supportive wife, during John's many Air Force assignments throughout his military career. Ellen spent 30 years as teacher, having taught students in Ohio, Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska, teaching Kindergarten and remedial reading classes. Her biggest passion was developing reading skills of children. Ellen was honored by the Wichita Kansas Reading Council as Reading Teacher of the Year for her achievements. She touched the lives of many kids, and helped them achieve their goals in life. Not only was Ellen a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she was known as a gracious hostess and wonderful cook. When time was available, Ellen enjoyed arts and crafts, which included painting on different kinds of mediums, which became gifts to family and friends. Ellen and John loved traveling, as they visited with family and friends. They also enjoyed working together at their farm, and doing voluntary work for their local community. Ellen was a long time member of the Black Forest Women's Club. She was actively involved in Sunrise Republican Women for many years and served on the Historic Black Forest Log School Committee. Ellen had a love for animals, especially her little dog, Spritzen. The one single thing that Ellen would like to be remembered for was the life that she valued and lived, and the joy that she brought to her family, and those who knew and loved her. Ellen Bradshaw was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, John Bradshaw, of Colorado Springs, Colorado and a son, Kevin and a grandson, Austin both of Oklahoma, and a brother, Richard Parish of Kansas. A visitation is scheduled for 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2012, Swan-Law Funeral Director's Cascade Chapel, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society.