Ellen M Janzen

Ellen M. Janzen passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 97. She was born on March 12, 1928, to Sam and Justine Vogt and grew up near Hillsboro, Kansas, alongside her sister Mary Jane and later her brother Robert.

Her early years were spent on the family farm before the Vogt family moved into town, where Ellen helped in the family grocery store. It was there that she met Marvin Janzen. They were married on May 16, 1947, and shared 52 years of marriage.

Ellen and Marvin began their life together in Kremlin, Oklahoma, farming with family. It was there they welcomed their son Stan and daughter Kathy. In 1955, seeking new opportunities, they moved to Reedley, California, where they purchased a farm between Reedley and Dinuba and added daughter Bev to their growing family.

The Janzen family endured deep tragedy when Marvin’s brother, Dr. Wilbur Janzen, along with his wife Elaine (Ellen’s best friend) and daughter Judy, died in a plane crash en route to relieve a missionary doctor in Bolivia. Ellen and Marvin opened their home and hearts to Wilbur and Elaine’s surviving children, Patty and Bruce. Later, their own son Stan was tragically lost in a plane crash while aerial spraying in Wyoming.

Throughout her life, Ellen was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. She balanced the responsibilities of raising an active family, cooking, sewing, and managing the farm while supporting Marvin’s business ventures. Together, they enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling, and motorhoming. As an avid pilot, Marvin also involved the family in Sheriff Air Squadron events.

Ellen accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life. A faithful member of Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church, she served joyfully, especially in her work with Pioneer Girls and on the decorating committee.

Ellen was preceded in death by her beloved husband Marvin; son Stan; parents Sam and Justine Vogt; in-laws Henry and Viola Janzen; sister Mary Jane Edwards and her husband Charles; brother Bob Vogt, his wife Velma and their son Robert; and brother-in-law Dr. Wilbur Janzen, wife Elaine, and their daughter Judy; sister-in-law Marilyn Janzen, her husband Ed and their daughter Jacque.

She is lovingly remembered by her children: Kathy Minnehan (Phil), Patty Thiesen (Ken), Bev Klassen (Bud), and Bruce Janzen (Gayle); eight grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.

A Committal Service will be held on July 31, 2025, at 9:30 AM at the Reedley Cemetery Pavilion, followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 AM in the Palm Village Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:

Palm Village Living Legacy Fund

703 W Herbert Ave, Reedley, CA 93654

or

Reedley Mennonite Brethren Church

1362 L Street, Reedley, CA 93654