Sarah Ellwein

Sarah A. Ellwein, 82, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother of La Jolla, CA, passed away peacefully in La Jolla on August 5, 2026.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of local arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.schriversmemorial.com.

A worship service celebrating Sarah's life will be held at St. James by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in La Jolla, California, on September 4, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a reception at the church.

Sarah will be laid to rest in Roscoe, South Dakota, at a later date, returning to a place she always called home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cottey College at www.cottey.edu, an all-women’s college in Nevada, Missouri that is supported by the P.E.O. Sisterhood, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Sarah A. Nelson was Born on October 4, 1943, in Long Beach, California. She was the cherished daughter of the late Ward and Catherine Nelson. Sarah will be remembered by family and friends for the joy and love she brought to everyone around her. Sarah grew up in Salem, South Dakota, and was a graduate of South Dakota State, where she met Leon, her husband of 61 years. They were married on June 11, 1965, and spent time living in Bethesda and Omaha, returning to La Jolla in retirement. She was an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood for 63 years, during which time she held several leadership positions.

Sarah loved traveling with Leon, visiting all seven continents together. She returned dozens of times to China and India, where she formed friendships that remained dear to her throughout her life. When at home, she could be found leading the flower guild at St. James by-the-Sea or spending time with her P.E.O. sisters.

One of her truest passions was nurturing young children as a teacher, a grandmother, and a friend. She encouraged curiosity and imagination, and a visit to her house always promised a creative project, a garden to explore, and a seashell to take home to remember the day. Sarah is survived by her husband, Leon Ellwein; her two sons, Charles (Nel) and Todd (Sally) Ellwein; and her four beloved grandchildren, Clia, Alexa, Henry, and Jack. She is also survived by three sisters and a brother, Sandra, Mary, Elizabeth, and Bill.