Laura Ellen Bidstrup

Ellen N. Bidstrup, 92, of Independence, MO passed away on Saturday, November 27, 2004. Ellen N. Bidstrup was born May 8, 1912, in Webster Groves Missouri. She was the daughter of Harry R. Nelson and Ines Ford Nelson. Ellen attended school in Walker and Springfield Missouri, Pasadena, California, and graduated from William Chrisman High School in Independence, Missouri. She attended both William Jewell College in Liberty Missouri and the University of Missouri. Ellen�s degree was in English, and she held a lifetime English teaching certification. She had two sisters, Betty and Dorothea.
On August 8, 1936, she married Perry L. Bidstrup of Cooper County Missouri. They were married for more than 30 years until Perry died in January, 1971. Ellen and Perry�s two children are Robert and Martha.
During World War II Ellen served as a journalist and press secretary for Eleanor Roosevelt. She was also publicist for the War Hospitality Room in Washington, D.C.
After the War she returned to Independence where she taught English at William Chrisman High School. She retired from teaching after 25 years. For seven years after that she worked part time for Rand McNally�s travel guide section.
Ellen enjoyed traveling and had visited Italy, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia, part of the former Soviet Union, Hong Kong, Thailand, Okinawa, and Egypt, as well as much of the United States and Canada.
An active bridge player, Ellen was part of the Bess Truman Bridge Club. She played bridge at least weekly during her long-time residence on Proctor Place, and continued to do so after she moved to the Fountains. She resided at The Fountains until her death.
Ellen was a member of the Junior Service League for many years and a member of the Mary Paxton study class, the Independence Retired Teachers and Support Staff Association and the Missouri Retired Teachers Association. Ellen was a founding member of Trinity United Presbyterian Church, where she was active on many committees as well as serving as both deacon and elder.
Ellen is survived by her son and daughter-in law, Robert and Elaine Bidstrup of St. Louis, her daughter and son-in-law, Martha and Phil Middleton, and four grandchildren: Kevin Francis, Jennifer Bidstrup, Sally Middleton, and Patrick Middleton. Her fifth grandchild, David Bidstrup, predeceased her.
Visitation will be December 2 from 3:00-5:30 p.m. at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence. The funeral service will be December 3, 10:00 a.m. at Trinity United Presbyterian Church 1400 Sheley Road, Independence, with burial to follow at Mt. Washington Cemetery.
Ellen�s many friends and relatives admired and respected her and will remember her as a warm, caring, intelligent lady who was a consummate role model for all whom she met. Each person who met Ellen N. Bidstrup was changed for the better having known her.