Ellen Lorraine (Reese) Price was born at home on April 5, 1931 in Ziebach County, North of Faith, SD. Her grandmother Hattie Knittel assisted with her birth. Ellen was the daughter of Clifford and Estella Reese.
At age 4, Ellen and family moved to a ranch in the Bixby area. She attended Deep Creek School, about 2 ½ miles from home. She usually walked to school, unless she could catch the horse. She graduated from Faith High School In 1949.
Ellen met Harley Meade Price at a dance at the Maurine Hall. Harley had just returned from Army service in 1948. They were married on June 9, 1949. They lived in Sturgis for a short time, then moved to Alkali Divide and worked for his brother, Stanley. Next, they purchased Harley’s home place at Opal. Which Harley’s mother, Ida Crites, had homesteaded. Harley and Ellen worked hard ranching together and they were never apart.
Ellen had a busy ranch life. She milked cows (until a cow kicked her across the barn and she told Harley she was done), raised bum lambs, raised chickens, raised pigs and raised kids. Ellen sewed clothes for her all her children and spent hours late at night making doll clothes for Christmas!
Ellen made beautiful quilts for all her family; wedding presents, birthday presents and graduation gifts. She was also talented at crocheting. Most family members have a doily or a table runner or a set of coasters or Christmas decorations, made by Ellen. Neighbors and friends in the Opal community also have many items of Ellen’s handiwork.
Grateful for sharing her life are her six children: Judy (Wes) Reeves, Penny (Ric) Lensegrav, Rich (Ronda) Price, Roxie (Squeak) Haines, Pam (Larry) Ross and Dan (Larinda) Price. Harley and Ellen have 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. She also has a niece, Deb Richards and nephews Gerald and Doug Draine.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Estella Reese, her husband of 65 years, Harley (2014), grandsons: Riley Haines (2003), Coy Price (2008), Aaron Price (2021). Her brother Harold (1996), sister Erma (2019) and brother-in-law, Robert Draine (1986).
Condolences for the family may be sent to the family at www.kinkadefunerals.com.
