Word was recently received by OLHD of the Dec. 15th passing of Ellen Toothacker, an OLHD member since 2016 and a Board member since 2019.
Ellen Miesel was originally from Detroit, graduating from Redford High School in 1975. She studied at the University of Michigan-Dearborn from 1976-1978. She moved to Oregon in 1978, living at various times in Portland, Gladstone and Milwaukie. She studied Accountancy and Computer Science at Clackamas Community College, graduating in 2013. She married Thomas Toothacker in 2014 and worked for the Gladstone School District from Aug. 1997 – June 2018.
Residing in Oak Grove Ellen joined the Oak Lodge History Detectives in 2016, became Secretary in 2018, and was elected Treasurer in 2019, a position she held until her passing.
Early in 2024 Ellen informed us that she had been diagnosed with cancer, following appendix surgery, and that it was incurable. Well aware of her fate she never sought sympathy but accepted it with amazing bravery and surprising pragmatism. True to her character she managed OLHD’s finances with professionalism and handed the records over to us in perfect order in October. Her husband, Thomas, remained at her side and cared for her until the end.
Ellen is survived by her husband Thomas, 4 grown children, and 5 grandchildren. She will be sorely missed.
There will be a service for Ellen on Jan. 19th from 1-4 p.m. at the McMenamin’s Edgefield Hotel Ballroom, 2nd floor, in Troutdale.