Nellie “Ellie” Elmira Gibson

Nellie “Ellie” Elmira Gibson, 88, of Moorhead, MN, died Wednesday, July 13, 2016, in ManorCare, Fargo, ND.
Nellie “Ellie” Elmira Wood was born November 10, 1927 in Houston, Minnesota, the daughter of Bella and Earl Wood.
She grew up and graduated from high school in Houston. Briefly, she attended Winona State Teachers College MN, McPhail School of Music MN, and graduated from the University of Pittsburgh PA, attended the University of Denver CO, and after marriage graduated from William Penn College IA receiving a Master’s degree in teaching.
Ellie’s teaching career began after previously doing social work as the Lutheran Children’s Friend Society in Milwaukee, WI. Her teaching career began in a country school in Swede Bottom, Minnesota, with all eight grades. She continued teaching at Albion High IA, Pella High IA and completed her forty years of teaching in Kindred, North Dakota. She also taught at Fargo South ND, Shanley High ND, Moorhead High MN, Moorhead State University Campus School MN and finally at Kindred High ND. Realizing her “calling” for professional theater and teaching English, Speech, and Drama she received from the NDSTA the highest honor given: the 1995 Hall of Fame Award for Speech and Theatre. Many students benefited from Ellie’s talent and encouragement.
In 1971, Ellie was divorced and Mary was hospitalized. Mildred Green, her close friend came to live with her. Mildred died in 2000.
Ellie has had a long history of activities and organizations; her churches, Messiah Lutheran and the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Americana Association of University Woman President in 1974, Classics Book Club, NDSTA secretary, Order of the Eastern Star 50 years’ member, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Daughters of American Revolution.
Ellie’s deep love for reading especially Civil War and inspirational books, music, traveling including five trips to Europe and seeing 48 different states, writing, and singing had consumed her life.
Ellie is survived by her daughters, Peggy Knutson of Saginaw, MI, and Mary Bil Severson of Omaha, NE; Grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Pat Lindner of Omaha, NE, Jason James Amber Severson of Wiley, TX, Peter Kris Knutson of Eau Claire, WI, Caleb Tami Knutson of Kalamazoo, MI, and Christian Knutson of Freeland, MI; Great Grand-Children, Jayden and Aria Lindner of Omaha, NE, Riley and Hadley Severson of Wiley, TX, and Connor Knutson of Eau Claire, WI.
Preceded in death by her parents; sister, brothers, Veir Wood and Loren Wood; and “Adoptive Mother”, Mildred Green.

Memorial Service will take place on Monday, July 18th , 11:00 a.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead MN, with Pastor Steve Wold officiating, burial to take place at Riverside Cemetery in Moorhead, MN following services. Memorial Visitation one hour prior to services.