Ellen Maureen Blee

Ellen Maureen Blee (née King)March 15, 1956 – November 26, 2024

Ellen Maureen Blee, age 68, of Chico, CA, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2024. Born on March 15, 1956 in Billings, Montana, she was the daughter of Glen and Olive King.

Ellen's life was defined by her unwavering optimism, deep love for her friends and family, and thoughtfulness. She was an extraordinarily caring wife and adventure-loving partner to her husband, Kristopher Blee, and a loving mother to her children, Alexandra Blee, Aiyana Blee, and Olivia Davis. Ellen was a warm mother-in-law to Connor Beebout and Haley Davis, and a proud new grandma, “Ahna”, of Aaron Beebout.

In her early career, Ellen worked as a veterinary technician. She will be best remembered as the most fantastic mom who prioritized raising her daughters and caring for her family. Later in life, she found fulfillment as a paraprofessional in special education, where her compassion and kindness made a lasting impact on the students and colleagues who had the privilege of working with her.

A true lover of all manner of crafts, Ellen was particularly passionate about fiber arts, including weaving and the lost art of tatting. Ellen’s athletic talents included competitive horse showing, scuba diving, and mountain biking. She also had a keen interest in mushroom foraging, often venturing into the woods with Kris to gather some of their favorites, morels, witch’s butter, and turkey tails. The ocean was Ellen’s most peaceful place. You could find her combing the beach for smooth stones and shells, or kayak fishing with Kris.

Ellen is survived by her husband Kris, her daughters Alex and Olivia and their spouses, her grandson Aaron, her siblings Donald King, James King, and Teresa Garcia, and her mother-in-law Juanita Blee, as well as numerous extended family and friends who will miss her deeply.

A memorial service will be held in her honor at Faith Lutheran Church in Chico, CA, on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

The family would like friends and loved ones to think of and remember Ellen whenever they are at the ocean. “The cure for anything is salt water - sweat, tears, or the sea.” Isek Dinesen