Ellen Cannefax

Ellen Gail Cannefax was born on February 18, 1952 to Stanley and Marilyn (Pierce) Arends in Fort Belvoir, Virginia, while Stanley was attending military training. While growing up, Ellen attended country school until the 5th grade when she then attended Luverne High School in Luverne, Minnesota. She was confirmed at Bethany Lutheran Church in Luverne. During high school, she was active in 4-H and FHA (Future Homemakers of America). After graduating high school in 1970, Ellen furthered her education by enrolling in one of the first programs for Inhalation Therapy (later named Respiratory Therapy) at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This began her lifelong career in the medical field. She worked as a respiratory therapist in Sioux Falls for several years before moving to the Minneapolis, Minnesota area where she met her future husband. Ellen was united in marriage to the love of her life, Robert Cannefax, in 1984 while the couple were on a cruise ship. During her time in Minneapolis, Ellen became certified as a cardiopulmonary specialist as well as completing her Bachelor’s of Science in Respiratory Therapy from St. Mary’s College. The couple then moved to the Phoenix Area in Arizona where she continued to work as a respiratory therapist as she also received her Master’s Degree in Adult Education Distance Learning from the University of Phoenix. After her husband’s passing in 2018, Ellen moved back to Sioux Falls. Ellen passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls at the age of 74 years, three months and 21 days.

Ellen was a devoted member of the Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. She was a ‘foodie’ and took delight in cooking and entertaining with her husband. After his passing, Ellen continued her love for food by watching cooking shows and collecting delicious recipes. She also enjoyed listening to audiobooks and watching the Hallmark Channel in her free time. Ellen’s medical background also influenced her interest in pursuing her certification as an Essential Wellness Coach, as well as becoming a representative for Doterra essential oils.

Ellen is lovingly remembered by her siblings, Don (Cindy) Arends, Julie Burmeister, Lori (Mike) Ptak, Audrey Arends-Claussen, Annette (Gary) Wageman and Stuart (Tanya) Arends; step-children, Patricia, John, Mary Beth and Suzanne; and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Cannefax; and her parents, Stanley and Marilyn Arends.