Ellen Rose Babb
January 15, 1932 – June 18, 2023
Ellen Rose Babb was born on a farm near Howells, Nebraska on January 15, 1932, to Henry and Minnie (Peitzmeier) Busch. She attended country schools and graduated from Howells High School in 1949. Upon graduation, she received her teaching certificate and began teaching in one-room schools.
At 20, she moved to Omaha to attend Creighton University. While in school a nun who was a family friend asked her to teach at Our Lady of Lourdes School where she taught for four years as the first lay teacher at the school. During this time she met William Babb (Bill) through mutual friends and they were married on July 21, 1956. She had stopped teaching while her children were young but started teaching part-time at St. Thomas More School in 1966. While teaching there, she went back to college at UNO to complete her degree. She began teaching kindergarten at Fontenelle Elementary and was there for 20 years. Upon retirement, she substitute taught at Catholic schools until she was 79. She also taught CCD classes at Holy Cross Grade School for many years.
She was an active member of Holy Cross Church. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and friends during her retirement. She also was an avid reader, enjoyed crossword and jigsaw puzzles and playing pinochle. But what she enjoyed most was gatherings with her children and grandchildren.
She moved to Aksarben Senior Living in March 2018 where she enjoyed socializing with the other residents and participating in activities. She spent her last few weeks being cared for at Hillcrest Country Estates.
Ellen was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by her children: Susan Hawkins (Mike), Carol Latka (Bill), Joan Hug (Dan), Mary Ellen Babb, Donna McColley (Dave), Gail Kotulak (Jay) and Tom Babb (Beth) all of Omaha; fourteen grandchildren: Meg Peters (Chris), Chip Latka, Ben Latka (Lauren), Jon Latka, Stacy, Sarah and Renee Hug, Brenden Babb, Audra and Talia Horne, Erika McColley, Mitch McColley (Rachelle), Joe Kotulak (Bree) and Jen Molinaro (Aaron); two step grandchildren: Jill Mrsny and Sara Peterson (Jason); nine great grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; two step great great-grandchildren; sister, Lois Seckman (Jack); sisters-in-law Patricia Lagemann (Bob) and Karen Babb; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
VISITATION: Thursday, June 22, from 6:15 p.m. to 7:30p.m. at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska. followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 7:30 p.m. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, June 23, at 11:00am, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 4810 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, Nebraska.
7 Comments
Gail and Jay I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was an amazing lady who touched so many lives, My sons were so lucky to have her for CCD. Prayers for all.
Lu Anne
Dear Cousins my sincere condolences for the loss of your mother and my aunt Ellen. She was an extraordinary person and her life as a devoted wife mother and teacher reflected that. I am grateful for the memories with her and urge you to celebrate her life and love for you all. Wishing you all strength and comfort. Cousin Jim 🙏
My condolences to your loss of Mrs. Babb. She was my kindergarten teacher at Fontenelle in 1972. She was a great teacher – I loved her. I was surprised and shocked to see her many years later when she came to pay her respects when my younger sister (also her student) died 10 years. May peace be with you and your family.
Mrs. Babb was my kindergarten teacher at Fontenelle Like 1987 or so. She was so kind and loving! She taught me to read. She was one of my inspirations to go into early childhood education. She was an amazing teacher. ❤️
On behalf of myself, sister DeAnna & brother Dan, we are sending our condolences to the Babb family on the passing of your mom, Ellen. Not only were our parents neighbors on 46th Avenue but Ellen & mom were friends & grew up in Howells, NE. Both active members at Holy Cross Church with many activities including the Alter Society. May Ellen Rest in Peace in God’s Glory.
Mrs Babb was my kindergarten teacher at Fontenelle from 88-89. She was very nice and a lot of fun.
Ellen was my first teaching partner and mentor. She had the arduous task of helping Mr. Freeman raise me into a lifelong educator. Ellen not only became a colleague, but a friend who gave me parenting advice more than once. She was an incredible person and I am a better human being for having known her!
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