Ellen Gilligan

Ellen Laura Gilligan was born in Malvern, Iowa on August 23, 1927. Ellen's mother, Doretta Fredericka Rose, accepted a housekeeping position in Carson, Iowa. Ellen, her sister Betty, and her mother moved to Carson. Ellen's mother later married Frank Steuckrath of Carson who ran the local pool hall.
Ellen graduated from the Carson High School in 1945 and was married to Elmer Eyberg of McClelland, Iowa. Their marriage was blessed with a son, Richard (Rick).
Ellen and Richard Gilligan of Carson were married in 1952. They too made their home in Carson, where Ellen enjoyed her role as a homemaker. In the early 1970's Ellen and Richard took a vacation to the Southwest. They enjoyed the area so much they purchased some land and built a home in Apache Junction, Arizona. Richard worked in Mesa as a mechanic and Ellen held swap meets and auctions at their home. Ellen and her family returned to Carson in the early 1980's. Ellen continued to attend auctions and her love of crafts. She was a member of the Carson American Legion Auxiliary.
Ellen and Richard had been married 52 years when Ellen died at the Northcrest Care Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa on February 21, 2004. She had attained the age of 76 years, 5 months, and 28 days. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and sister Betty Keller. She is survived by her husband Richard Gilligan of Carson; son Rick Eyberg and his wife Grace of Carson; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.