Saturday, April 20, 2024
Ellen M. Brownlee
Brewster, Washington
Formerly of
Pateros, Washington
Ellen Marie Brownlee, age 87, died peacefully on February 19, 2023, at Harmony House, in Brewster, Washington. Ellen was born in Brewster, on January 25, 1936. She was the oldest of three children born to David and Leda Brownlee, second-generation homesteaders in the Watson Draw area near Pateros. Ellen grew up surrounded by extended family, with lots of aunts, uncles, and cousins. She attended school in Pateros and while in high school was selected as Princess Pateros. Ellen graduated from Pateros High, in 1954. After high school, she attended beauty school in the Seattle area.
Ellen married Herman Hixon on December 6, 1958, and they started a family in Pateros. Ellen and Herman moved their family to Arkansas, in 1969, where Ellen lived for 10 years. Ellen dedicated her life to her two children, Kathy and Kevin, and later, to her grandchildren. She was always happy to serve as room mom in her children’s classrooms, as well attending band and sporting events.
Ellen was a wonderful cook and nothing gave her more pleasure than preparing meals for her family and friends, and hosting large family gatherings at her home. Ellen also loved baking wonderful treats to share. Her children and grandchildren have very fond memories of eating Ellen’s delicious cinnamon rolls. Ellen was active at the Pateros Church of Christ, and delighted in preparing treats for the children of the congregation. She always remembered a birthday or holiday.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; and brother, David Brownlee. She is survived by her brother, Perry (Sonja) Brownlee; and her two children: Kathy (Mike) Harding, and Kevin (Kelly) Hixon. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Jake (Katie) Hixon, Sam (Hailey) Harding, Tim Harding, Joey Hixon, Jessi (Nick) Craig; three great-grandsons: Wyatt and Ezra Hixon, and Leo Craig; as well as another great-grandchild on the way.
Barnes Chapel, in Brewster, Washington, is assisting the family with arrangements. Please leave your thoughts and memories at www.BarnesChapel.com.
A Memorial Service will be held at Pateros Methodist Church, 124 Dawson St. N., Pateros, Washington, on March 4, 2023, at 11 a.m.
