Elinor Jean Chinn

Ellie was born on December 5, 1937, in Lexington, Nebraska. She grew up on the family farm with her parents and her older brother. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1955, and continued her education at CSU, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1959. While attending CSU Ellie was an active participant in many clubs and activities. She was a member of the CSU cheerleading squad and was crowned The Greek Queen and The Sweetheart of Sigma Chi.

On August 16,1959, Ellie married her college sweetheart and the love of her life Dick Chinn. Ellie’s next roles were that of a devoted wife and mother to her three children. She later became a proud grandmother and great grandmother, always putting family first and creating a home filled with warmth and care.

Ellie cherished her dogs and her childhood horse, Tony. Some of her happiest memories were traveling to new places with Dick, their children and grandchildren by their side. Ellie served for several years on the board of directors on Project Self Sufficiency. Her belief in the power of education and self-determination left a lasting impression on all that were involved.

Ellie valued her many long-time friendships. Her weekly coffee group began in the late 1970’s and continues today. This group provided friendship, comfort, and support as their lives continued to evolve.

She is survived by her children, Scott (Susan) Chinn, Bill (Angie) Chinn, and Jeanette Polzin of Fort Collins, CO; her grandchildren, Mathew Chinn, Mitchell Chinn, Brittaney Gonzales, Joshua Polzin, Courtney Polzin; and her great-grandchildren, Dalyen, Jonothan, Jaxon, Jason, Jazlyn (Bella), Lyneah, and soon-to-be Eleanor and Xylena. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dick Chinn; her parents, Carl and Linnea Rawson; her brother, Bill Rawson; and her son-in-law, Chuck Polzin.

Ellie’s kind smile and caring nature will be deeply missed by family and friends alike.

A celebration of life for Elinor will be held Friday, August 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Allnutt Funeral Service - Drake Road Chapel, 650 W. Drake Rd., Ft. Collins, CO 80526. A reception to follow will occur at Allnutt Funeral Service - Drake Road Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Food Bank of Larimer County.