ELEONORE “ELLEN” SALMON

JULY 24, 1946 – AUGUST 10, 2022

LIFE WELL LIVED

Johann and Helena Behlendorf enjoyed life in Bernkastel, Germany with their sons Heinz and Fritz, and were overjoyed to welcome Eleonore, their third child and only daughter. As a child, Ellen’s family

moved to Trier, Germany where she attended catholic school. While in Trier, Ellen worked as a licensed hairdresser with a devoted clientele (1964–1969).

January 1969 began with an encounter that blossomed into a 53-year love affair! When Jesse Salmon visited a local hot spot in Trier, Germany, he caught the gaze of a beautiful, young Ellen. On December 12, 1969, Jesse and Ellen were married! While in Trier, Ellen and Jesse welcomed their first child, a son, Rodney. After Jesse was discharged from the U.S. Airforce in 1970, the family relocated to Odon, Indiana in the United States. A year later, they moved to Greenfield, Indiana where she made life-long friends and re-established her career as a hairdresser (1972-1998). As Jesse’s career led to new horizons, she left her hairdressing position to move to Berne, Indiana. Next, they relocated to Fishers, Indiana to be closer to family and their grandchildren Ebony, Brook, and Jesse.

SAILING THROUGH LIFE

Ellen lived an active life and enjoyed a variety of hobbies from snow skiing in the Rocky Mountains, sailing across Lake Michigan, and attending Indiana Pacers games. For several years she volunteered as the Mount Comfort Little League Team Mother, and she was her son’s biggest encourager while he showed cattle in 4H cattle shows. Ellen was especially excited to spoil and do fun activities with her grandchildren.

From 2002-2012, Ellen lovingly served as a daycare associate at Kid’s World in Fishers, Indiana. In recent years, Ellen and Jesse spent winters in Florida where Ellen often listened to her favorite song, Islands in the Stream by Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, while cruising in a golf cart.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Johann and Helena Behlendorf. She is survived by her husband Jesse Salmon, son Rodney (Melba) Salmon, brother Heinz (Hilda) Behlendorf of Trier, Germany, brother Fritz Behlendorf of Munich, Germany, niece Stefanie (Behlendorf) Bockholt of Berlin, Germany, niece Simone Behlendorf of Bornhiem, Germany, grandchildren Ebony Dillon, Brook Harris, and Jesse T. Salmon.

A private family celebration of life service will be held at the home of Rodney (son) and his wife Melba on Sunday, August 21, 2022. The family requests memorial contributions be sent to: