Donna Ellagene Anderson, age 82, of East Helena

In Loving Memory of Donna “Ellagene” (Peewee) Anderson
June 18, 1943 – April 15, 2026

Donna “Ellagene” (Peewee) Anderson, 82, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Heavenly Father, surrounded by the warmth and affection of her family. A woman of deep faith, Ellagene leaves behind a legacy defined by her love for children and her lifelong dedication to serving others.

Early Life and Roots
Born on June 18, 1943, in Eureka, Montana, to Eugene and Reva (Johnson) Shea, Ellagene’s roots were firmly planted in the Tobacco Valley. She grew up in a close-knit community, attending school alongside her brother and numerous cousins. She shared a profound bond with her cousins, often remarking that they were “more like brothers and sisters” than extended relatives. Ellagene took great pride in her family’s local impact, especially the fact that her mother served as a grade school teacher in Eureka for many years.

A Life of Service
During high school, Ellagene began working for her cousin, Lynn, at “Lynn’s Cafe.” It was there she learned the art of hospitality. She often shared the story of how Lynn taught her to count change back to customers—a skill she took pride in, even while jokingly claiming that she and numbers “never quite got along.” She also spent time bartending and waiting tables at the Eureka Tavern.

Following high school, Ellagene embraced the role of homemaker and mother to her four children: Diane, Kevin, Reva, and George (Fred), as well as two stepchildren, Phillip and Kelly. The family eventually moved to East Helena, Montana, due to her husband’s employment at the time. Later in life, Ellagene married her soulmate, Raymond Anderson, further adding to the brew of their large family by welcoming three more stepchildren: Kevin, Donald, and Nikki. Her household was always a lively mix of personalities; while she was an expert at keeping things simmering, she occasionally surprised everyone with a “stir-fry that sounds great” that became an instant, lifelong family legend.

Professional Path and Passion for Children
Ellagene’s career always centered on helping others. She worked at a delicatessen in the Helena Mall, the State of Montana’s Records Management Department, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. However, her true joy came from working with children. This passion led her to open her own daycare and later transition to a career with the Helena Public Schools’ breakfast and lunch program. This role allowed her the precious opportunity to be near her grandchildren during the school day. Unwilling to be away from the children during the summer months, she started her own ice cream truck business, ensuring she could continue to bring smiles to the community year-round.

Family and Legacy
Ellagene was immensely proud of all her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great grandchildren celebrating each of their accomplishments with joy. She is survived by her children: Diane Openiano (WA), Kevin & Monique Legg- (Helena), Reva & Fred Mauck (OR), and George Kessner (GA); her stepchildren: Kevin Anderson (Helena), Nikki Scheet (Helena), and Kelly Kessner (OR); her grandchildren: Phillip, Patrick, Danielle, Danilo, Sara, Jamie, Sierra, Alyssa, and Mikayla; and her great-grandchildren: Jacob, Samuel, Cassie, Kakashi, Gohan, Athena, Colten, and Mason. She also leaves behind her two beloved dogs, Niko and Shena, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ellagene was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Raymond Anderson; her parents, Eugene and Reva Shea; her brother, George Shea; her stepsons, Phillip Kessner and Donald Anderson.

Ellagene will always be remembered for her devotion to children and her unwavering faith, which remained a constant comfort even as her memory began to fade. She ended every day by reading her Bible before bed, finding peace in the Word.

Proverbs 31:31: “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026 at 11am at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. Following the service, burial will follow to Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 7100 N Montana Ave., Helena, MT 59602. A reception will be held at the Helena Nazarene Church, 117 Valley Dr., Helena, MT 59601, after the graveside. Condolences can be shared at www.aswfuneralhome.com.

Service Schedule

Celebration of Her Life

11:00am

Friday May 1, 2026

Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home

3750 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Graveside Service

Following the Memorial Service

Friday May 1, 2026

Sunset Memorial Gardens

7100 N Montana Ave.

Helena, Montana 59602

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Reception

Following the Graveside Service

Friday May 1, 2026

Helena Nazarene Church

117 Valley Drive

Helena, Montana 59601

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