Lifetime Sherman County, Kansas, resident Ellen Eileen (Hurd) Townsend, 94, died Sunday, March 7, 2021, at Topside Manor in Goodland.
She was born October 19, 1926, in Goodland, the eldest daughter of Glen F. and Ada Eileen (Mulkey) Hurd. She attended school in Goodland and graduated as Valedictorian of the class of 1944. She went on to attend business school in Denver, Colorado.
Eileen returned to Goodland and married Ray Townsend on May 17, 1946, in Garden City, Kansas. In 1949, the couple constructed a home southwest of Goodland that remains as the farm headquarters today. Ray and Eileen farmed, ranched, and built and operated a 50 head dairy for many years. Ray preceded her in death in 2004.
Eileen worked at Goodland State Bank before she married Ray. Years later she went to work for the Great Western Sugar Company as an assistant chemist then took the position of Office Manager and accountant for J&J Feeders (John Cogswell and Joe Gutsch). Eileen remained as the feedlot transitioned over the years to Fairleigh Feeders and eventually Century Feeders. After retiring, Eileen maintained an office in Goodland and provided accounting and bookkeeping services for the Cogswell family until the ranch was sold and the estate was settled.
Through the years, Eileen’s math, business, and accounting skills combined with Ray’s crop and livestock abilities made for a successful team!
While raising her family, Eileen was active in the Methodist Church, served as a 4-H leader, helped organize a garden club, and served as a president of the parent teacher organization at the elementary school. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed growing flowers, especially roses, and vegetables which she loved to share.
After retirement, Eileen served as a board member of the Goodland Arts Council and the Sherman County Historical Society, and was also active in the Sherman County Alumni Association.
Surviving family includes a son, Alan Townsend and wife, Lynda of Goodland, a daughter Amy and husband, Craig Good of Olsburg, Kansas. Also surviving are 5 grandchildren, Christa (Townsend) and husband, Doug Smith of Severn, Maryland, Andra (Townsend) and husband, Michael Nielsen of Wichita, Ross Townsend and wife, Ashley of Goodland, Laura Good and husband, Isidro Linan Jimenez, Ames, Iowa, and Grant Good, Moundridge, Kansas. There are 5 surviving great-granddaughters. Eileen is also survived by 3 sisters, Wanda Fitterer, Donna Dee Thompson, and Betty Hurd all of Oregon.
In addition to her husband, preceding her in death were her parents and 2 brothers, Don and Darrell Hurd.
Eileen experienced many things in her 94 years and loved her family and her community!