Ellen Dee Strong

Ellen Strong, born Ellen Dee Tanzey on February 10, 1947 passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026 at her home in Washington, Utah at the age of 79. Ellen was a California native and often referred to herself as the original "valley girl". Born and raised in Canoga Park, California to William and Doris Tanzey (James), she was always a tomboy. Ellen never shied away from a challenge and that held throughout her life. From obtaining her degree at UCLA to teaching in the underprivileged inner city to coaching sports she had never played to raising her two children primarily on her own, Ellen was fierce, determined and strong, just as her married name says. Ellen always committed 100% to everything she set her mind to. She loved fully and always put others before herself.

Ellen was a wonderful mother to Kristen (Richard) Carter of New Harmony, Utah and Bill (Victoria) Strong of Santa Barbara, California and an even better grandmother to her three beautiful granddaughters Gwendolyn, Eleanora and Willa. She loved them completely and enjoyed every vacation, dinner, party, trip and moment she had with them.

Ellen loved to golf and while healthy she played several times a week both in California and then in Utah. She loved the game and the friendships she made on the course.

Ellen taught physical education for many years and coached women’s volleyball, soccer and gymnastics. When her lifestyle no longer supported a teaching position, she obtained her residential real estate license and transitioned to sales. She loved to support first-time homebuyers and had many return customers over the years, a testament to her hard work. Ellen also managed a commercial real estate portfolio of buildings in the Southern California area for her family. She was proud of this accomplishment and her dedication to it has maintained these investments for the generations to come.

Ellen is irreplaceable to her family and her absence is already palpable. Predeceased by her parents, sister and 1st granddaughter Gwendolyn, Ellen will rest near Gwen on the hill overlooking the ocean at the Santa Barbara Cemetery.

A private memorial and a celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to:

1. Gwendolyn Strong Foundation
2. https://nevergiveup.org/donate/
3. 27 W. Anapamu Street, Suite 177
4. Santa Barbara, California 93101
5. 
   

Gwendolyn Strong Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity. Your gift is fully tax-deductible as a charitable contribution.