Elsie L Strong

Elsie L. Strong, 86, of Mitchell, died Tuesday, November 4, 2014 at The Residency Care Center in Scottsbluff. Her funeral service will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at The Federated Church in Mitchell with Rev. Dr. Charles H. Richardson officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery near Scottsbluff. Visitation will be from 4-8 PM on Friday, November 7th at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Mitchell Federated Church/Women's CC and Music Ministry of the church. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Elsie was born May 17, 1928 at Batesland, South Dakota the daughter of John and Mollie (Kuxhaus) Lind. She received her education in Mitchell, graduating from Mitchell High School. Elsie met “the love of her life” - Lloyd C. Strong - at the Mitchell Post Office (where he was employed) in 1945. They courted for several months and were married on July 7, 1946 at the Methodist Church in Mitchell. Two children, Dennison and Deborah were born to this marriage. The couple made their home in Mitchell and celebrated 65 wonderful years together in 2011 before Lloyd’s death.

Elsie worked at the Ben Franklin Store and Kennedy Drug for several years prior to and following her marriage. Elsie purchased the House of Weddings in Scottsbluff and was active in the day to day operations of the store for many years until “retiring.” She took great pride and joy in the planning of weddings and other special events with her customers. She later started The Gallery, an exclusive painting, gift and clothing boutique, in the basement of her home in Mitchell. She had unique, exquisite, and one-of-a-kind items that she sold to her most valued customers. Elsie was a classy and elegant lady who enjoyed her family, friends, and customers alike. She loved traveling with her husband Lloyd. Their travels included cruises, trips around the United States and a most memorable trip to the Holy Land.

Elsie started painting later in life – a hobby that she enjoyed sharing with others. She gave paintings to family members and to friends which are treasured works of art to each of them. Elsie was a collector of a variety of exclusive items – paintings, china, music boxes and Hummel figurines to name a few. She started a Red Hat Society group in Mitchell called ""Ramblin Rose"" which she thoroughly enjoyed with her friends. She loved the Lord, her husband and family and the many close friends throughout the years. She was truly an inspiration to many as well as an active member of the Federated Church in Mitchell for many years. Memories of her many family traditions including her special German meals will always be cherished by her family.

Elsie is survived by her son Dennison Strong of Colorado; daughter and son-in-law Deborah and Harry Gardner of Gering; six grandsons: Geoffrey (Alison) Strong, Joel Strong, and Jordan Strong all of New York, Jeremiah (Alesha) Gardner of Mitchell, Garrett (Keisa) Gardner of Colorado Springs, CO, and Jason Gardner (fiancé Morgan Schaffer) of Lakewood, CO; 7 great-grandchildren: Alexander and Henry Strong, Dylan and Drey Gardner, and Kloee, Maddox, and Lucee Gardner, and one great-grandchild due in Feb. of 2015; sister-in-law Lela Evans of Scottsbluff; nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Elsie was preceded in death by her parents, spouse, and brother Ralph Lind.