Ellen Reitzel (57), beloved wife, mother, and friend passed away January 1, 2025 at home surrounded by family and friends following complications from a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born March 30, 1967 in St. Anthony, Idaho to Glenn and Janis Tucker, Ellen brought warmth, love, and laughter to all who knew her. Ellen grew up in Idaho Falls, Idaho becoming a proud graduate of Bonneville High School. She continued her education with Idaho State University earning her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in International Business Finance. Her compassionate and caring spirit attracted many lifelong friends along the way.

Ellen's early career included jobs as a Bartender and Staffing Manager. She found her favorite career in the Real Estate Industry as a Title Officer. She absolutely loved that job and all the friends she worked with.

Ellen loved to travel and enjoyed hobbies like reading, needlepoint, and crochet. Her love of travel led her to be an exchange student to Singapore and Thailand while working on her Masters Degree. She met her future husband Jeff in Idaho Falls while working as a bartender in 1997. They were married May 20, 2000. Their only child, Ryan, was born May 7, 2002. Ellen was the most wonderful wife and mother anyone could hope to find. She enjoyed vacations flying to see many places in our country with family and friends in their private plane.

Ellen was preceded in death by her father Glenn Tucker and brother Bruce Tucker. She is survived by her mother Janis (Fletcher) Tucker, sister Susan (Tucker) Dinius, son Ryan Reitzel, and loving husband Jeff Reitzel. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She strived to live her life by the following quote shared from a close friend.

"I would like my life to be a statement of love and compassion--and where it isn't, that's where my work lies." - Ram Dass

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the American Cancer Society, Cancer Research Institute, or charity of your choice supporting Cancer Research and Treatment.