Ellen Datus

After a courageous battle with cancer, Ellen Lois Datus, age 65, passed away in Broken Bow, NE, the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 1. She was surrounded by her husband, Edwin, and daughters Michelle, Melinda and Stephanie. Born in 1948 in Chambers, NE, to Chloe Ellen McKay Harley and Duane McKay, Ellen was drawn to a life of service to others. Her biggest calling was taking care of people, especially her family. At home, she was a selfless, loyal and loving wife, mother of three, step-mother of five and grandmother of fifteen. During her career as a compassionate and dedicated social worker at Health and Human Services, Central Nebraska Community Services, Golden Living Center and Central Plains Center for Services, she guided and enriched the lives of countless members of the Broken Bow community. She is preceded in death by her parents, infant brother Mark Layne McKay, and husband of 12 years, Duane Mosbarger. Ellen is survived by her devoted husband of 19 years, Edwin Datus; beloved daughters Michelle Bjornsen Sandal (Toby) of Beatrice, NE; Melinda Bjornsen Prentice of Broken Bow, NE; and Stephanie Bjornsen Myrberg (Tim) of Elkhorn, NE.; loving step-children Geoff Datus (Jenee) of Fenton, MO; Geri Datus-Ward (Jason) of Plymouth, MN; Deb Spector (Michael) of Denver, CO; Darcy LaRosche of Denver, CO; and Dawn Wiegert (Kyle) of Fremont, NE;fifteen grandchildren; and a brother Ron (Jan) McKay. Visitation is at Govier Brothers Mortuary, 542 South 9th Ave., Broken Bow, NE, on Friday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family in attendance from 6 to 7 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 1000 South 3rd Ave., Broken Bow, NE, with interment to follow at Westerville Cemetery. Afterward, a luncheon will be held to celebrate Ellen’s life at United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made out to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1221 South E Street, Broken Bow, NE.