Vina Ellen Andreasen, lovingly known as Ellen to her friends and "Gigi" to her great-grandchildren, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026 surrounded by the love of her family. A visitation will be held at Craddock Funeral Home on Friday, July 31, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Ellen was born on November 10, 1939, in San Pedro, California, to Alvie and Edna Whittle. She met the love of her life, Jack Andreasen, at a Marine Corps Ball in San Diego, California. They were married in 1956 and built a life centered on love and family, raising five children in Escondido, California. Together they also made their homes in San Marcos, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina, sharing 42 wonderful years of marriage until Jack's passing in 1998.

In the years that followed, Ellen lived in Crockett, Texas; Lovelady, Texas; Ada, Oklahoma; and Ardmore, Oklahoma, where she spent the final year of her life in a retirement community. There, she found comfort and companionship among the residents and staff, especially Carla Myles, Joan Luton, and Shirley Barnett, whose kindness and friendship meant so much to her.

Ellen's greatest joy was her family. She cherished time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She had a warm heart, a welcoming smile, and an appreciation for simple pleasures. She enjoyed playing bingo, participating in garden club activities, and making lasting friendships wherever she lived. She also enjoyed a good cup of hot coffee no matter what time of day it was.

She is survived by her children, Dennis Andreasen of North Carolina; Sherry Kimmel (Ron) of Ada, Oklahoma; and Katherine Powers (Mike) of Washoe Valley, Nevada; her grandchildren, Joshua Merritt of Ada, Oklahoma; Jason Merritt of Ada, Oklahoma; Aaron Merritt of Gulf Breeze, Florida; Jonathan Kimmel (Payton) of Ada, Oklahoma; Heather Ray (Jarod) of Ardmore, Oklahoma; Zachary Powers of Reno, Nevada; Jasper Powers of Washoe Valley, Nevada; and Rain Powers of Washoe Valley, Nevada; nine great-grandchildren; and her cousin, Elizabeth Suggs.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jack Andreasen; her daughter, Mary Merritt; her son, Gary Andreasen; her granddaughter, Jennifer Merritt; and her great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Moiser.

Ellen will be remembered for her unwavering love of family, her gentle spirit, and the kindness she shared with everyone she met. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter