Ellen Jane Barth

Ellen Jane Barth

Cedar Rapids

Ellen Barth passed away in Oaxaca, Mexico, on December 16, 2023 with her family by her side, from complications of MDS - Myelodysplastic Syndromes, a type of blood cancer. Her health deteriorated in the last year, but she never complained of any pain or discomfort. She was born, Ellen Jane Yankura, on February 26, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. After completing high school, she went to Los Angeles in search of a job. This was the first major trip of her lifetime journey to travel.

She was hired for an office position, but after a year decided to return to Chicago to further her studies. She enrolled at Chicago Teachers College and pursued a degree in art education. At the college, she met Chuck, her future husband. He graduated in 1963 and she completed her degree in 1964. After graduation, Ellen took her first art teaching position at Motley High School in Chicago which was a social adjustment school for girls. It was a learning experience for Ellen.

Ellen and Chuck were married on June 25, 1966. Their son, Paul, was born in Chicago in 1968. In 1969 Chuck took a position at Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri. While in Jefferson City, Ellen substituted at the public schools. Their daughter, Courtney was born in Jefferson City in 1971. The family moved to Cedar Rapids in 1972 when Chuck took a position at Mount Mercy College. Ellen received a position teaching art at St. Pius X Elementary School. She loved working with children and was very proud of her children whom she said she was lucky to have. Ellen continued to pursue a Master’s Degree in Art Education at the University of Northern Iowa and later taught an art education course at Mount Mercy College.

Ellen always had the desire to travel and at the suggestion of her sister-in-law, Carol, Ellen applied for a job at Princess Cruise Lines as an art instructor for children. The two traveled together when they were not teaching in the schools and when children were able to attend cruises while on vacations such as summer, spring break, and Christmas holidays. They traveled around the world from Australia to Alaska to Europe and Indonesia. Ellen’s favorite city was Singapore. Chuck would often meet her after her cruises sometimes in Venice, Italy, his favorite city. Ellen traveled with Princess Cruise Lines for 22 years.

Ellen and Chuck also often traveled to many places in Mexico. In 1997 they purchased a home in Oaxaca, Mexico, which they still retain. After Ellen retired from teaching in 2007, the couple continued to travel to countries such as Japan, Bali, Germany, Italy, Poland, France, England and Morocco. Their last trip was to Venice, Italy, in August of 2023.

Besides being an art teacher, Ellen was an accomplished artist. Her early works included paintings of family members. Her later works were colored pencil drawings influenced by the artwork of the Australian Aborigines and the Mexican alebrijes from Oaxaca.

When asked her age, Ellen always replied 29. To many, she will be a vivacious 29-year-old for all eternity.

Ellen is preceded in death by her father, Charles Yankura; mother, Anna Yankura, brother, Charles Yankura; sister, Evelyn Hylasek and brother-in-law, Jerry Hylasek. She is survived by her husband Chuck; son, Paul Barth; daughter, Courtney Takes; daughter-in-law, Tiffany Barth; son-in-law, Steve Takes, and five grandchildren, Angelika Barth, Axel Barth, Astrid Barth, Taylor Takes and Sadie Takes.

The family would like to extend a heart filled thank you to care teams of Dr Kenneth Cearlock and Dr Susan Slycord and the entire team of medical staff in Oaxaca, Mexico for the unwavering care and support given to Ellen. Memorials may be directed to St Pius, The Xavier Foundation, The Hall Perrine Foundation, The Cedar Rapids Museum of Art or a charity of your choice. Memorial Mass and luncheon at St. Pius X on May 4.