Ellen (Boddington) Baumler, prolific Historian and Author, of Helena, Montana passed away on the 16th of December 2023 after a long battle with cancer. She was 74 years old.
Ellen was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Jeanne and Edward (Bud) Boddington. She attended the University of Kansas (KU) and graduated with a PhD in medieval history in 1985.
Ellen and her family (husband Mark and daughter Katie) moved to Helena from Tucson, Arizona in 1988 and in 1992, she took the job as the state’s first Interpretive Historian at the Montana Historical Society. Ellen continued to tirelessly dedicate herself to this job for 26 years. During this time, she made many significant contributions towards Montana history including writing over 1600 interpretive signs for properties listed in the National Register of Historic Places; delivering thousands of programs statewide
to everyone from grade school children to retirees; researching and writing countless articles as well as blog posts and publishing a number of best selling books including Montana Moments and Spirit Tailings. Ellen received many awards including the Montana Governor’s Humanities Award (2011), the Peter Yegen, Jr. Award from the Montana Association of Museums (2017), and the Award for Outstanding Service to Historic Preservation in Montana (2023).
Ellen always went above and beyond her job description, often travelling great distances to give invited programs (even in the dead of winter) as well as conducting research and listening to people’s stories outside her work hours. Her memory for Montana’s people and history was
unmatched and she could always come up with a story to tell. She had the uncanny ability to fit in everywhere she went and get along with anyone.
Ellen loved her work so much that she continued her research, tours and writing well beyond her official retirement from state employment in 2018. She spent most mornings tucked away in her office at Reeders Alley in Helena continuing to do the work she so loved (and feeding the squirrels).
In 2023, Ellen received the Montana Heritage Keepers award from the Montana Historical Society Trustees. The celebration and testimonials in August exemplified her extraordinary efforts and contributions to the cause of Montana history. Ellen enjoyed marking this occasion with many of her long-time colleagues and friends.
Despite all her achievements, Ellen was the most humble, compassionate and beautiful soul you could meet. She was an equally amazing friend, daughter, sister, auntie, wife and mother. She loved horses, a passion she shared with her father and her daughter, and continued to ride well into her retirement. She was an exceptional hostess, an outstanding cook and a skilled florist. She loved to create, everything from the historic home she and her husband lovingly renovated over 35 years to intricate dollhouses and crafts to the stories everyone knew and loved. There wasn’t anything Ellen couldn’t do once she set her mind to it and she fought her last challenge against cancer with the utmost strength and dignity until the very end.
Ellen is well known for her telling of Montana ghost stories. After years of collecting personal accounts,
Ellen believed that significant events leave imprints on places and that sometimes these events remain etched into a place well after they actually happened. Through the history she researched and preserved, the many people she touched and the memories she created, Ellen has left an indelible mark of her own. Although she is no longer with us, she will certainly live on, an imprint in so many places and even more hearts. She would be happy to know that she’s now a part of the history she so cherished.
Ellen is survived by her brother, Craig Boddington; nieces (Caroline, Brittany, Erin) and nephew (Kevin); husband, Mark Baumler; daughter, Katie Baumler; and beloved rescue pup, Grendel.
There will be a special memorial and celebration of Ellen’s life held next summer. The family are very grateful for all the
condolences received already and encourage people to leave their own memories of Ellen on the Anderson Stevenson Wilke funeral home website.
The family also wishes to thank the oncology team at St Peter’s hospital for their remarkable care over the last two years.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorials be made in Ellen’s name to her favorite local charity, The Lewis and Clark Humane Society (P.O. Box 4455 Helena, Montana 59604) or to the Montana Historical Society (P.O. Box 201201 or 225 N. Roberts Street Helena, Montana 59620).
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Laura Ferguson says
Mark, so so sad to hear of Ellen’s death. She was a joy, an inspiration, and a gift to us all. She sure made history fun, too!
Janet Herold says
Ellen taught the Montana History class at the University of Montana in Helena that was required for the degree I was working on. It was the most interesting class I’ve ever taken and it was because Ellen made is very interesting. To this day, I rave about the class to friends and family. I also attended a couple of the tours she conducted around Helena. She was very good at imparting her knowledge and was an excellent storyteller. I’m grateful to have known her, she truly was a treasure.
Carlsons of Helena says
A truly brillant and remarkable woman caring so deeply about her work and The Queen City of the Rickies and beyond. We respect her constant determinatin snd exhaustive research for factual data and her own special touch in every story in great effort to relay past and present histories.
Hope you’ve read or vow to read them all. Living and caring about others on one of the main drags ,11th Ave. and out walking or exercising pets, she was never too busy ti inquire about another’s wellbeing. Ellen, we’ll always remember your kind strong spirit during your own final chapter . We’ll still hang May baskets throughout “the hood” and pause awhile and smile at your gate and know you just might just be haunting about the place and smiling back.
Rowena says
Ellen was an inspiration for me as she was to others. She taught me much, saved me from falling flat on my face during the creation of the Forgotten Pioneer’s exhibit. She was a coworker, friend and teacher and I was in awe of her knowledge, experiences and her dedication to others.
Ellen will be missed by many, for Montana has lost a precious individual.
My heart is heavy, yet I know that she is now free to do as she wishes.
Carrie Kiely says
Mark, I’m so very sorry. Ellen was THE ONE who brought my attention to our Butte office’s failure to finish off an agreement – all that was left to do was an interpretive sign. That sign, and its’ replacement (vandalism comes for us all) receive more compliments and visits than any other in the field office. She was so very helpful to me while it was in the works. A talented (and patient) lady. My sincerest condolences.
Vonnie Jenkins says
Mark and family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Heaven gained a real angel. She was so cheerful, beautiful inside & out and always took the time to hear stories. Her smile was so bright. She will be missed. Hugs to you all.
Sonja Mongar says
I stumbled into Helena on a quest 12 years ago – to find my Montana roots – I met Ellen and she was a wonderful resource and support and never made me feel I was too obsessed about family history. Loved her Montana Moments and got to meet her family once too – what a loss for them – for all of us…the world is a lot less bright without her in it – love and hugs
Diane says
To Ellen’s family
Although not a close friend …a hugh fan of her. I have several of her books and have enjoyed her stories and energy for many years. God bless your family at this difficult time. With sincerely sinpathy Diane Pedersen.
Carol Bridge says
It was an honor and privilege to be of service to Ellen in the Cancer Care Center. What a wonderful person she was. Her knowledge of history and her presentations were phenomenal. I so enjoyed her books she wrote. She will be missed by the community. God Bless you.
Marian and Vincent Pontillo says
From the Pontillo Family
Ellen was a good friend enjoyed all of our time riding together, in the arena and on trail rides. She was a great Montana Historian, always enjoyed hearing her speak about history
Karlee Smith says
Mark—i was so shocked and saddened to hear of Ellen’s death. She was a good friend, great history teacher, creative helper in all things Virginia City, Reeders Alley and Montana Heritage Commission. Any day I spent with Ellen was a great day. She will be sorely missed. Sending hugs your way. Karlee
Linda Hardin says
Mark and Katie, i will forwver miss my BFF of nearly 50 years and I carry her in my heart. Lora and I have so many wonderful memories beginning with UMKC where I first met Ellen before you and she were married, Mark, and continuing through all the years thereafter. This obituary captures her perfectly. I am so lucky and grateful to have had her in my life for so many years. She was an exceptional woman, scholar and friend and I loved her and love you two so very much. She was indeed a treasure.
Kennon Baird says
Ellen was an inspiration and a delight. All who knew her are richer for it.
Jacoby Lowney says
Such an immense loss to Montana and the historical community. Ellen was a wonderful lady who leaves behind a void that can never be filled. I remember when she would become a member of online historical groups that I was involved with and felt as though royalty had arrived and graced us with their presence. Ellen, she was special! Will miss you.
Paul Reichert says
Hi Mark, So sad to hear the news of Ellens passing. I loved working with her at Reeders and in VC. Her kindness and wit says with me, as she approached everyone with a sense of curiosity. I remember her tours also and how much joy she got from watching groups react to her stories and deep knowledge of historic people and events. She made such a huge positive impact for the people of MT, i will miss her dearly. Warm regards. Paul