November 19th, 1939 - January 6th, 2020

Mary "Ellen" Lee Plenger, of Roundup, Montana passed away, January 6th, 2020 at the age of 80, after a long illness.

Ellen was born in New York City, New York, younger sister to Jim and Bud. She spent most of her childhood years in Connecticut.

In 1959 she married her children's father. They had 3 daughters. Mary, Arleen and Kathy were the joy of her. Because of his military career and other jobs, they lived in a number of locations around the country before settling in her heart's home; Montana. She lived in Montana, between Billings and Roundup, for 54 years.

She worked in St Vincent's Hospital for over 20 years. Her evenings were filled with shuttling Mary, Arleen and Kathy to 4-H activities.

After her three daughters were grown, she married the love of her life John Plenger. They enjoyed many travels together over the years. Ellen was also John's ready assistant on his many home projects. John predeceased her and she never stopped grieving his loss. Ellen enjoyed traveling especially to visit her daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She really appreciated a cool mountain lake swim.

Ellen's passion was flowers and she gifted family and friends with beautiful silk flower arrangements. She liked to read, sew and bake. She passed onto her family her delicious lemon bar recipe. Her favorite food was ice cream and in her honor, her family enjoyed an ice cream social after her service.

She was a lifelong Yankee's baseball fan! It began with trips to Yankee stadium as a little girl with her Dad.

She was a member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church and was actively involved in the right-to-life movement.

Funeral services were January 13th, 2020 at Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic Church in Kiowa, Colorado near Mary's home.

Ellen is survived by her brother Bud, daughters, Mary (Kendel), Arleen (Shawn), and Kathy (Larry), five grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, nine nieces, a nephew, and many wonderful friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Plenger, her parents Mary and John Lee, and her brother Jim. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Sisters of Life.

Sisters of Life Motherhouse

38 Montebello Rd

Suffern, NY 10901

Or http://www.Sistersoflife.org