Eleanor “Ellie” Richards Horachek, daughter of James and Eleanor (Crashaw) Richards, was born on November 11, 1933, at her family home at 24 Black Horse Street in Bolton, England.

Ellie was the youngest of four daughters, joining her sisters Betty, Beatrice, and Bertha. She began her schooling at Dean Road Infants School, later attending Pike Lane Elementary School, and then Derby Street Secondary Modern School, from which she graduated at age fifteen. At sixteen, Ellie began working as a yarn tester at Cannons Cotton Mill.

Ellie was just seven years old when World War II reached England. The reality of war became frighteningly real when her family home was bombed, destroying a bedroom wall. She often shared vivid memories from that time, recalling the smell of rubber gas masks, how they fogged up, and how difficult they were to breathe through. Ellie celebrated her twelfth birthday on VE Day, marking the end of the war in Europe. She remembered lying in bed when she heard cheering outside and looking out her window to see hundreds of people waving flags and celebrating as they made their way toward the town center. Life slowly returned to normal in the years following the war.

Ellie met her future husband, Donnie Horachek, at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, England, while he was serving in the U.S. Air Force at Burtonwood Air Force Base near Warrington. They were married on April 9, 1954, at St. Peter & Paul’s Church in Bolton.

In 1957, Donnie and Ellie built their home in rural Goodridge, Minnesota, where they farmed together until Donnie’s passing in 1993. They raised three daughters; Bernadine “Berny,” Suzette, and Fern, and were blessed with nine grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. Ellie frequently visited her parents and sisters in England, after moving to the states. Ellie became a proud U.S. citizen in 1994.

Ellie was an active member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Goodridge and served for many years in the Ladies’ Aide. She also worked as Treasurer for the local National Farmers Organization. Together, Ellie and Donnie managed the Trapper & Trader Steakhouse and Lounge, later known as Miz Ellie’s. Ellie enjoyed reading, cooking, crossword puzzles, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She also enjoyed watching sports on television and always had a favorite player for each team. She was deeply proud of her family and cherished time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor.

Grateful to have shared her life are her daughters, Berny Vraa of Goodridge; Suzette (Larry) Johnsrud of Goodridge; and Fern Johnsrud of Goodridge; her grandchildren, Lesley (Jeff) Brouse of Thief River Falls, Courtney (Jason) Salo of Goodridge, Cally (Mark) Delage of Thief River Falls, Jim (Jerilyn) Wilson of Goodridge, Jessie Dingman of St. Hilaire, Kyle Johnsrud, Kent Johnsrud, Brad (Rozlynn) Johnsrud, and Clifton (Jena) Johnsrud, all of Goodridge; and her great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Jaxon, and Hudson Brouse; Jorja and Chesney Salo; Ellie and Ava Delage; Jamisen, Weston, Taylor, and Callie Wilson; Indi and Piper Dingman; Jordynn, Donny, and Jennings Johnsrud; Carter Lee and Cash Johnsrud; along with numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ellie was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 39 years, Donnie Horachek; her parents, James and Eleanor Richards; her sisters, Betty Conchie, Beatrice Baldwin, and Bertha Billingham; her sons-in-law, Gerald “Knute” Johnsrud and Donnie Vraa; her grandson-in-law, Luke Dingman; as well as many brothers- and sisters-in-law.

Eleanor “Ellie” Horachek of Goodridge, Minnesota, passed away at the age of 92. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff of Oakland Park Assisted Living in Thief River Falls and to HIA Hospice for their compassionate care. May her memory be blessed.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2025 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Goodridge, MN with Father Bryan Kujawa presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at the Czech National Cemetery, rural Goodridge, MN.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com