Ellen Louise (Allison) Lang

It is with a deep sense of sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen Louise (Allison) Lang, age 102, on April 1, 2024 in Green Bay, WI.

Ellen, born in Pullman, WA on September 3, 1921, to James and Martha (Wegner) Allison, was the eldest of three daughters. Her father was a miner, and she was reared in a mining town, Sandon BC, Canada. She was an avid athlete, first-rate swimmer and diver, a member of a swim race team and, as well, performed with a synchronized swimming team. She also Kayaked the Canadian lakes. Ellen was an accomplished Musician, playing Piano, Organ and also had the honor of playing first chair Violin in her college orchestra.

Her parents eventually moved to Chelan, WA, where she graduated with high honors from high school in 1939. She was offered many college scholarships, but wanting to go into ministry, turned them down to attend Northwest Bible Institute in Seattle, WA. To pay for her tuition, she picked apples in the Wenatchee Valley and during the school year was a live-in maid for a wealthy family.

It was in college where she met and fell in love with a ministerial student, Robert Lang. They graduated in May 1943 and were married in June of that same year. They remained deeply in love for sixty-four years. Robert passed away in 2007. Ellen was his helpmate in sharing the love of God, not only in word, but by the example of her life. She was also famous for her “high signs” from the front pew if he preached too long!

Robert and Ellen pastored in Washington State, Minnesota, Idaho, Hawaii, and Ohio, and as well, lead seven tour groups to Israel and the Holy Land. Ellen, in addition to leading many women’s groups, organizing Sunday School Programs, and teaching in a Bible School, had a gift for hospitality. She loved to cook and was known for her fabulous meals and beautifully appointed table, around which a different group could be found almost every Sunday for food and fellowship.

Ellen was a wonderful mother to their three daughters. She loved them deeply and they knew what a special place they had in her heart. Her life radiated grace, elegance, and goodness, and she showed them what it was to have an unselfish, giving heart. Because she continually gave to those less fortunate than she, she left this world with little in material wealth – but was rich in spirit, in friendships and in faith.

Ellen is survived by two daughters, JEANNIE (LEW) KOLBO and JUDITH (MARK) BERGLUND, both residing in Green Bay. She is also survived by a son-in-law, Kemper Smith, San Antonio, TX, a grandson, Jake (Tracye) Smith, Killeen, TX, three great-granddaughters, Melissa, Anna, and Layla, special friends, Ron and Julie Dobie, Madison, WI and Debra Eckelberry, OH. She is further survived by nieces and nephews, who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her husband Robert, daughter, Jennifer Smith, sisters, Betty Rinker, Jeanne Sjoberg, and Jane Graber, brother, Dean Allison, four brothers-in-law and four sisters-in-law.

A Celebration of Life service for this amazing lady will be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church, 1414 Shawano Ave., Green Bay on Sunday, May 19, 2024 at 3:00 PM. Visitation will start at 2:00 P.M. with the service at 3:00 P.M.

The family would like to thank Unity Hospice for their tender and compassionate care as well as for journeying with the family these many months.

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