Mary Ellen Ebbenga

Mary Ellen Ebbenga (née Locke), 86, of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026. She was born on June 16, 1940, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grew up in Garretson, South Dakota, where she developed the strong work ethic, kindness, and love of family that would define her life.

On a blind date, Mary met the love of her life, Robert "Bob" Ebbenga. They were married on December 26, 1958, and together built a home centered on love, faith, hard work, and family. As a devoted homemaker, Mary poured her heart into caring for those she loved, creating a warm and welcoming home where everyone felt they belonged.

Mary found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved gardening, preserving the fruits of her labor through canning, knitting, sewing, camping, playing card games, and collecting cookbooks. Her hands were rarely still, and she took great pride in creating beautiful handmade gifts for others. She especially loved sharing her knitted washcloths and cowls with family, friends, and even strangers, believing that a handmade gift was one of the purest expressions of love and kindness.

In her later years, Mary made her home at White Pines Memory Care, where she continued to enjoy knitting her beloved washcloths, playing bingo, and sharing smiles with residents and staff. Even as life changed, her generous spirit and caring heart remained constant.

Mary is lovingly survived by her husband, Robert "Bob" Ebbenga; her children, Lynn Lundin, Neil (Rose) Ebbenga, and Mark (Dawn) Ebbenga; her grandchildren, Holly (Robert) Yannarelly, Cheree (Calvin) Omtvedt, Jason (Emily) Lundin, and Dominique "Nikki" Ebbenga; and her seven great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many extended family members and friends who will forever treasure the love and kindness she shared so freely.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Clifford and Helen Locke; her twin sister, Marie, who passed away in infancy; her sister, Catherine; and her beloved grandsons, Frank and Jax Ebbenga.

Mary's life was a beautiful example of selfless love, generosity, and quiet strength. She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, strength, and joy that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Memorial service 11 AM, Friday, July 24, 2026, with visitation beginning one hour prior at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, Minnesota 55016.