Ellen Louise Hissrich

Born on March 31, 1945, in Del Rio, Texas, Ellen grew up in Colorado and graduated from Littleton High School. She went on to attend the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, where she met her future husband, Henry R. Hissrich III. Together, they built a life centered on family, education, and kindness.

Ellen devoted 35 years to teaching in the Platte Valley School District in Kersey, CO, specializing in learning disabilities. She earned two master’s degrees during her career and was deeply committed to her students’ success. Her greatest professional joy came from seeing her students thrive and integrate confidently into society, regardless of their challenges.

After retiring in 2004, Ellen spent much of her time at her cherished home at Seeley Lake and with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren across Colorado, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Her warm smile, infectious positivity, and love of learning left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Ellen is preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry Hissrich III; her brothers, Earl Mastin and David Mastin and her parents, Clinton and Esther Mastin.

She is survived by her four children and five great grandchildren:

● Heidi R. Spanier (Rich) of Chester, New Jersey, and their children: - Jessica Wismer (Richard) and great-grandchildren: Richard IV, Joy, and Joseph. Richard Henry Spanier (Angelique) and great-grandchildren: Savannah and Chiara

● Henry R. Hissrich IV (Christie) of Lititz, Pennsylvania, and their children: Mary Grace and Henry V

● Howard R. Hissrich (Juliana) of Fort Collins, CO, and their sons: Benjamin and Lucas

● Hunter R. Hissrich (Kristine) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and their children: Gemma and Giovanni

Ellen is also survived by her loving sisters: Phyllis O’Brien (Joe) of Florida and Avis Sinner of Wyoming. She is fondly remembered by her nieces and nephew: Rhonda, Meghan, and Casey.

Ellen spent her final years living with her daughter Heidi and son-in-law Rich in New Jersey, surrounded by the love and laughter of family.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held on July 10, 2025, at Allnutt Funeral Home in Greeley at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ellen’s memory to organizations supporting children with learning disabilities or the American Diabetes Association – Rocky Mountain Chapter.