Mary Ellen Breidenbach , 85 of Iliff passed away Wed., May 6, 2015 in Iliff. Visitation will be from 10am until 4pm on Mon., May 11 at Chaney-Reager Funeral Home. Rosary and Vigil Service will be at 7pm, Mon. at Chaney-Reager. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10am, Tues., May 12 at St. Anthony Catholic Church with services concluding at the church. Inurnment will take place at a later date at Riverside Cemetery.

Mary Ellen was born April 11, 1930 in Sterling, CO to Elbert and Rhoda Lee Lutz Smith. She attended Logan County grade schools, graduating from Crook High School May 19, 1948. She then attended Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, graduating May 28, 1952 earning a Bachelor of Arts with teaching certificate, a Major in Home Economics and Minor in Science.

Mary Ellen taught home economics and junior high science for several years, was a homemaker for the duration of her kids schooling, and then spent many years influencing young minds as a director for Iliff Head Start. She also farmed alongside her dad, and then her husband most of her life.

She married Edward A. Breidenbach at St. Catherine's Church in Iliff, CO on Sept. 9, 1951, celebrating 63 years of marriage.

Mary Ellen was a member of St. Catherine Catholic Church and active in the church and the Altar and Rosary Club, was president of her college sorority the Theta Sigma Upsilon and member of the Extension Homemakers Club. She enjoyed sewing, was an excellent cook, and talented gardener. Mary Ellen loved pets and animals, especially her many treasured pugs over the years. She was also known for her wonderful laugh and deep love of her faith and family. She always said "things could always be worse, and I just count my blessings".

She is survived by her husband Edward A. Breidenbach; daughters Diana Kaufman and husband Doug, Barb Schneider and husband George; sons Edward L. Breidenbach and Dee Hein, Doug Breidenbach; grandchildren Brad Kaufman and wife Kelly, Ryan Kaufman, Daniel Schneider and wife Katy, Melissa Schneider, Bridget Weintraub and husband Jacob, Kimberly Powell and husband Ben, Jacob Breidenbach; eleven great grandchildren; brother Dean Smith and wife Vonnie.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by parents Elbert and Rhoda Smith, brothers Lynn Smith and Les Smith, grandson EJ Breidenbach and granddaughter-in-law Bridget Kaufman.

Contributions may be made to Charity of Donor's Choice.