Ellenor Brenneman

Margaret Ellenor “Ellie” Brenneman, 90, of La Junta, Colorado, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2025, at her home in Casa del Sol in La Junta, with her husband of 70 years, Derald, by her side.

Ellenor was born May 14, 1935, in La Junta, to Jon Magnar and Sarah Margaret (Miller) Hjelmstad. She graduated from La Junta High School in 1953 and then attended Hesston College, where she met Derald Brenneman.

Ellenor and Derald were married on September 5, 1954, at First Mennonite Church in La Junta. They welcomed two daughters: Brenda in 1958 and Patti in 1959.

Ellenor served as City Clerk and Treasurer of Rocky Ford for 32 years, where she knew everyone in the community by name. She retired in 1998.

She was a member of Rocky Ford Mennonite Church and Emmanuel Mennonite church in La Junta. With her family, she helped count the proceeds for the Rocky Mountain Mennonite Relief Sale when it was held at the Arkansas Valley Fairgrounds.

Ellenor is survived by her husband, Derald; daughters Brenda (LaMonte) Rothrock of McPherson, Kansas, and Patti (Duane) Hopkins of Parker, Colorado; three grandchildren, Jonathan (Jaymie) Rothrock of McPherson, Kansas, Jordan (Michael Crouse) Rothrock of Arvada, Colorado, and Christopher Hopkins of Washington DC; two great-grandchildren, Brielle and Brekken Rothrock; her sister, Dottie (Phil) Kinsinger of Colorado Springs; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Magnar Hjelmstad, her stepmother, Doris Hjelmstad, and two brothers, Donnie Hjelmstad and Jon Hjelmstad.

Ellie enjoyed close relationships with her family, grandchildren, and friends, and loved to spend time with them.

Ellie and Derald were avid travelers and didn’t pass up many opportunities to go camping in their fifth-wheel trailer. They played cards and dominoes and put many puzzles together. Ellie pieced quilts, was an excellent cook, had a great sense of humor, and a friendly word for everyone she encountered. She was a regular and appreciative customer at Fiesta Restaurant in Rocky Ford.

A celebration of life will be held August 9 at 10:30 a.m. at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in La Junta, with Derek Hutchison officiating. A lunch reception will follow at the Aspen Center at Casa del Sol.

A private inurnment for family will be at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta.

Memorial contributions may be made to Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp (rmmc.org), Emmanuel Mennonite Church, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.PeacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.