Ellen Annette Holland

Oct. 23, 1971 – March 12, 2023

Ellen Annette Holland, age 51, passed away on March 12, 2023 after her long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by 12 members of her family.

Ellen was born on Oct. 23, 1971 to Bastiaan Eertink and Eronia Somer in Lochem, Netherlands. She moved to The States and attended North Idaho Community College, and Montana State University. She later earned her degree in Mathematics from Eastern Washington University.

In 1993, Ellen married Kurt Holland in Polson, Mont. Kurt and Ellen eventually settled in Cheney, Wash., to raise their family. Her oldest daughter Sanne, now lives in Phoenix, Ariz., with her Fiancé Elroy and teaches 4th grade. Her middle daughter Lelie, works as an actuarial analyst, and her son Bas, lives in Cheney and works in construction.

Ellen advanced from bus driver to Director of Transportation in a matter of a few years. Ellen took great joy in her work and even started collecting some bus decorations throughout her house.

Ellen loved being a mother more than anything and was always supporting her children in their various adventures. She took pleasure in playing games, doing puzzles and drinking all of the tea she could. When the weather was nice, she enjoyed taking her many grand-pups for walks and playing fetch at the park. Ellen leaves behind her 20 orchids and various other plants for her children, who will try to keep alive.

Ellen enjoyed taking numerous trips to her home in the Netherlands to spend time with her children and family.

Ellen was proceeded in death by her father, Bastiaan Eertink. Ellen is survived by her three children, Sanne (fiancé Elroy), Lelie (Jessy), and Bas (Madi); her mother, Eronia; sister, Susanne (Martijn); brother Bastiaan (Bridgitte), and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at Sutton Park in Cheney on June 11, 2023. The family will provide more details as the date approaches.