Monroe, WA – Ellen Jo (Speer) Calkins passed away surrounded by family on March 4, 2024. Ellen was born February 20, 1938 in Archer City, TX to Jack & Lorene Speer. She grew up on a ranch near Glorietta, NM with her big sister, Barbara Littlefield and graduated from Espanola High School in 1956.
On April 4, 1958 she married Hugh G. Calkins. In 1967 the family moved to Guam Island, returning back to the States in 1976. Ellen retired from the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest after 25 years. She enjoyed golfing gardening, hiking, and family research.
Ellen’s parents Jack and Lorene Speer, sister Barbara Littlefield and her husband of 41 years, Hugh Calkins, preceded her in death. Daughters Kay Beattie (David) of Goodyear, AZ, Lori Ostrom (Gus) and Karen Calkins of Monroe, WA; grandchildren Jordan Schwartz, Benjamin Ostrom, Emily Ostrom, Kathryn Ostrom and Hannah Jo Beattie; and three great grandchildren survive her.
A private family memorial is planned for this summer.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Ellen’s memory to COPD Foundation www.copdfoundation.org.
