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Ellen T. Gore, 74
Ellen Terese Gore, age 74, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 14, 2018, after a short illness. Ellen was born to Raymond O. MacAllister and Clara T. Hanbridge on June 19, 1944, in New York City.
She was raised in Long Island and met her husband, Joseph C. Gore, while she was visiting her brother in Albuquerque, N.M., in 1965. Joseph, also from New York, was stationed at Sandia Air Force Base and heard that Ellen was from Long Island. He struck up a conversation with her at the pool on base, and after it began to rain he drove her home. They began dating, fell in love and got married on July 2, 1966. Other than a brief period where they lived in New York, they remained in Albuquerque, having three children and raising them there.
Ellen was the bookkeeper for their small business, Bus and Buggy. She also worked as a bank teller, but her primary love was caring for her children and family.
In 1984 Ellen and her family moved to Hayden, Idaho. They were actively involved in Friends Church in Hayden, where their children also attended school. She loved being a grandma, inspired by her relationship with her own grandmother, Teresa Guyer. She often said one of the happiest periods of her life was when she could care for her first grandson, Bill, while his parents were working. Losing two granddaughters, Kendall and Chaselynn Presnell in a car accident in 1998 inspired her to expand her outreach to any child within her means.
She had a great respect for the Post Falls Fire Department. After giving a land grant to build a new fire station in 1999, she also began to fund a program providing teddy bears to the fire department to give to children who had been involved in a traumatic event. Ellen and Joe also sponsored several children in developing countries. They were passionate about building clean water wells in India and purchased a bus to transport orphans there. She was a strong supporter of Open Arms, which provides help to young pregnant mothers.
She was an exceptional baker and entertainer and considered it to be her ministry. Pleasing people with gifts of baked goods or inviting people to her home for a delicious meal and fellowship was her way to express love for her community. She hosted baby showers in her home for unmarried mothers.
On Feb. 7, 2009, Joe and Ellen recommitted their love to each other by renewing their vows after 43 years of marriage. Their commitment was an inspiration to their children, grandchildren, friends and family. Recently Ellen and Joe were baptized in Twin Lakes, Idaho, reaffirming their Faith.
She is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Teresa Gore Presnell; her granddaughters, Kendall and Chaselynn Presnell. She is survived by all those who have found acceptance and love in her work.
In lieu of flowers, please honor her spirit of generosity, caring, and faith by supporting a charity that you are passionate about or devoting time to loving your neighbor and developing relationships in your community. Ellen’s favorite charities were Heart for Korah, Compassion International and Ripe for the Harvest.
Please join us for a celebration of Ellen’s life and ministry at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018, at Anthem Church, 251 W. Miles Ave., Hayden, ID 83835. Appetizers and dessert will follow.
Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with final arrangements. Please visit Ellen’s online memorial and sign her guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.