Ellen M Jennings

Ellen Jennings, age 89, of Fort Worth, TX, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 16, 2024. Ellen was born in Kincaid, Saskatchewan, Canada, to Alfred and Andora Kristianson who had migrated from Norway shortly before Ellen’s birth. Ellen was one of six siblings who grew up in a loving home where they were taught about Jesus. They lived in a sod house with dirt floors and worked on a farm before moving to Bromhead and then finally to Estevan, both located in Saskatchewan.

Ellen first met Alvin in Estevan when he came there to preach. They were married January 1, 1955 and started their life together ministering to the church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where Alvin was the preacher. From there they moved to Montreal, Quebec where they ministered to the church as well. In 1958 they moved to Burlington, Vermont, where they planted the church that began in the basement of their home. Ellen had no shortage of things to do as they were blessed with four children, age three and under by August, 1959. Beth was born in 1963 to complete the family. Ellen was a faithful wife and mother who instilled, along with Alvin, the love of God and his word to their children as well as to all they ministered to.

In 1965 the family moved to Hurst, TX, where they began Star Bible Publications providing books, Bibles, and other printed materials to churches and individuals in the US and throughout the world. Once all the children were in school, Ellen started her role as bookkeeper for Star Bible, a position she held until their retirement. Ellen was a tireless worker in The Kingdom, teaching Bible classes and conducting Bible studies with Alvin. Ellen was very hospitable. They often hosted visitors in their home for meals and to stay for extended periods of time. She was also a prolific writer of poems and kept prayer journals for most of her adult life.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Andora Kristianson, brothers Ivar and Richard Kristianson, son Stephen Jennings and grandson Daniel Jennings.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Alvin, of Fort Worth, TX; sisters Marie Pennock of Waycross Georgia, Bettye (Mike) Whittaker of Abbotsford, British Columbia, Ruby Olson of Winnipeg, Manitoba; children Mark (Cheryl) Jennings of Lubbock, TX, Bonnie (Norman ”Wally”) Bell of Middletown, OH, James (Lisa) Jennings of N Richland Hills, TX, Beth (John) Cope of N Richland Hills, TX, grandchildren Charles Jennings, Carrie (Evan) Brown, Jessica (Ryan) Stepinoff, Alyssa (Josh) Knickerbocker, Duke Jennings, Jacob Jennings, Marshall Bell, Josh (Katie) Bell, Katie (Rick) Barton, Kylie (Trenton) Pope, Scott (Allison) Jennings, Carter (Abby) Jennings, Cameron (Anne) Cope, Tanner (Catherine) Cope, Cassidy (Mitchell) Cope-Ostang. She also is survived by 23 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and loving friends.

A visitation for Ellen will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Legacy Church of Christ, 8801 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX. A funeral service will occur Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 1:00 PM at Legacy Church of Christ, 8801 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX. Burial will be at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 3:00 PM.