Ruth J. Elbell

Ruth Elbell, age 101, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026. Her greatest attributes were her smiles, her kindness, and her peaceful demeanor. Her openness to adventure was admirable: ziplining, jet skiing, kayaking- all in her 80’s! She walked a half mile per day until one month before she joined her family in heaven.

Ruth was born on May 20, 1925, to Harry and Doris Jones. Ruth was the first-born child, and her siblings were Barbara Jones Lowe, Joann Jones Kilcullen, and Norman (Bud) Jones. Growing up in Illinois, they loved walking to Lake Michigan to swim all day.

Ruth graduated from New Trier High School in 1942. She attended the University of Illinois-Champagne/Urbana and graduated in 1947. She studied to become a dietician, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She was employed by Stouffer’s Restaurant in New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. After marriage, her primary fulfillment was as a homemaker. She also worked as a substitute teacher, in various retail positions, and as an apartment manager.

In 1951, she met Ronald Elbell in Pennsylvania. They were married in 1952 and enjoyed a honeymoon in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. They moved to Michigan, Florida, and Illinois, eventually settling in Evergreen, Colorado, in 1972. Ruth raised her four children, participating in the children’s school and extracurricular activities. At Butterfield Elementary School in Lombard, Illinois, she was known as the “picture lady.” She presented prints from the Masters, explaining who the artists were and describing their painting styles. She helped teach Girl Scout classes for the girls to earn their badges.

As an adult, Ruth enjoyed walking, reading, traveling with her family, dancing, playing cards, socializing, writing letters, gardening and cooking/baking. She attended church faithfully wherever she lived. She was involved in the Symphony Guild, Newcomers, Garden Club, and her local Senior Center.

After the death of her beloved husband, she met Albin (Al) Mitchell. They were companions for many years. They enjoyed going on cruises, dancing, and taking road trips. The years spent with him were memorable.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband (Ronald Elbell), her friend (Al Mitchell), her sister Barbara, and her brother, Norman (Bud). She is survived by her sister and best friend, Joann Kilcullen; all four of her children, June Wagner (Don), Linda Armstead, Sharon Adams, and Mark Elbell (Sandy); 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

Services will be determined at a later date. She will be interred alongside her husband at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pikes Peak Hospice and Palliative Care of Colorado Springs. (pikespeakhospice.org)