Ellen Timm

Ellen Joan (Phillips) Timm, 93, died on September 20, 2026, in Webster City, Iowa. She was born on December 29, 1932, on a small farm south of Webster City, Iowa, to Russell and Inez (Porter) Phillips. She was the youngest of their three children.

Her family moved to Williams, Iowa, and Ellen loved growing up on their farm. She greatly admired her older brothers who likewise adored her. It was on the farm where she developed a tremendous love for dogs and subsequently owned many beloved pugs and Boston terriers. She graduated from Blairsburg High School in 1951.

She married Melvin Miles Timm on September 3, 1955. They had four children, Jill (Jim) Wilson, Mark Timm, Kae (Bryon) Leinberger, and Lisa (Pat) Nichols. Their family grew to include 8 grandchildren, Brooke (Jered) Vaske, Kortney (Rocky) Vest, Alexis Timm, Michael (Alaina) Nichols, Evan Timm, Mitchell Timm, Sam (Andrea) Nichols, and Erin Crockford, and 14 beloved great grandchildren. They were married for 71 years before Melvin’s death in July 2026.

As a high schooler, Ellen would be called down to substitute teach when elementary teachers were sick. She received a scholarship to Iowa Teachers College, but she knew she wanted to be a nurse. She started working in a hospital and later, while she had young kids at home, Ellen went to nursing school and received her nursing degree. She worked as a nurse for more than 35 years, beginning in a hospital setting and then in family practice offices for Dr. Buxton and Dr. Latella.

Working as a nurse was just one part of her lifetime of caregiving. There wasn’t a committee at Asbury United Methodist church that Ellen didn’t serve on, but she was most known for her years on care team and baking for the Christmas cookie walk. She also served as a nursing home advocate and provided in home health care for countless family members and friends. At her 80th birthday, her commitment to her community was honored with a key to the city.

In her retirement years, Ellen contributed a monthly column to the Daily Freeman Journal where she shared meaningful reflections on family, life in a small town, and the best parts of living together in community. She logged even more hours writing cards to her children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and anyone who crossed her path, featuring her one-of-a-kind handwriting. She was a regular at the local Hallmark store and Heart and Home, but in truth, never passed by a gift shop without stopping in “just to look.” Despite this active life of service, Ellen and Melvin were often found on the sidelines or in the audience of the activities their grandchildren and even great grandchildren enjoyed the most.

Ellen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend. She had baked goods ready even for unannounced guests, and her house was meticulously decorated for all seasons. An open Bible and daily devotional could be found sitting on her kitchen table, counter, or writing desk.

Ellen is survived by her four children, 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and the dearest friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Inez, brothers Gene and Merrill, and her husband, Melvin.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, October 3, at 1 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church. Coffee and dessert reception with the family to follow.

Ellen leaves behind a legacy of caring for others that is unmatched and will be forever missed.