Ellen R. Virchow, passed away on Monday, Dec. 1, 2003 at the age of 96. She was born on May 3, 1907 in Sun Prairie, WI, the first child of Benjamin and Edith (Crosse) Chase and the first great-grandchild of pioneer Dr. Charles G. Crosse. She graduated from Sun Prairie High School in 1925, attended Stout Institute and the University of Wisconsin receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. She taught school in Bloomington for one year. On June 28, 1930, Ellen Rowena Chase married her high school sweetheart, Darwin Louis Virchow, a marriage that lasted 73 years. They lived in Madison, WI and Freeport, IL before returning to Sun Prairie permanently in 1938. Ellen was an active volunteer. She served as a Girl Scout leader and was the first Neighborhood Chairman from Sun Prairie serving on the Dane County Area Council of Girl Scouts. She was past president of the Twentieth Century Club and past President of the Library Board. She was a charter member of the Sun Prairie Historical Library and Museum. She was a member of Sacred Hearts of Jesus & Mary Catholic Church, Sun Prairie. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Eunice Chase, Jeanette Wyant and Ruth Maley; two brothers, Theodore and James Chase; and two sons-in-law, Gilbert Haberman and Roger Hughey. She is survived by her husband; a son, Donald Virchow, Tullahoma, TN; two daughters, Dolores Haberman, Costa Mesa, CS and Janet Hughey, San Angelo, TX; 15 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters, Edna Lyster of Sun Prairie and Charlotte Anthon of Orlando, FL; and many nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Msgr. Duane Moellenberndt and Rev. Bart Timmerman at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church, 221 Columbus St., Sun Prairie, WI on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003 at 11 a.m. Family and friends are invited to call at the church on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials would be appreciated to the Sacred Hearts Endowment Fund, the Crosse House or to a charity of ones choice. The family would like to thank Dr. Motl and his staff, the Willows Nursing Home Staff, and relatives, friends and neighbors who have been so supportive.