Ellen McKinnon, 93, of Denton, Texas passed away on October 15, 2019 in Denton. She was born on March 15, 1926 to Wilbur and Hazel (Nelson) Grosjean, in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ellen started her working career as a Clerk at the Strategic Air Command. She later assisted the architect who designed the U.S. Embassy building that was built in Mexico, and served as Executive Assistant to oilmen, lawyers and college deans over the years.

Ellen was a creative person, a life-long learner, and an artist. As a ceramics artist, she was awarded "Best in Show" for a pot she made at Northlake Community College in Irving, Texas.

Ellen had a collection of photographs on her wall of her children and grandchildren that she would sometimes point to and say, "There is my life's work."  Her love for her family was something she freely shared with her friends and neighbors.

Ellen is survived by her three children:  Julie McKinnon Winnette of Denton, Leslie Kathleen McKinnon and husband Gary Steinmetz of San Marcos, Texas, and Robert Dale McKinnon and wife Raylene of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She has a surviving sister-in-law, Louisa Grosjean of Franklin, Maine.

Ellen is also survived her five grandchildren: Kate (Winnette) Beckman and husband Adam, Colin Winnette and wife Andi (Mudd), Garrett McKinnon and fiancée Molly Hansen, Paddy (Steinmetz) Van Ek and husband Ben, and David Steinmetz and wife Christine. She also has two great-grandchildren, Olivia and Gerrit Van Ek.

Ellen is preceded in death by her mother and father Wilbur and Hazel Grosjean, her step-mother Grace Grosjean, her sister Jeanne, and her brother Ralph.

A memorial service is planned on Saturday, November 23 at 2:00 pm at DeBerry Funeral Home in Denton, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to re:MIND , American Cancer Society , Eye of the Dog Art Center , or a charity of your choice.