LILLIQUIST, Ellen Ann

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Monday, January 11, 2010 Ellen Ann Lilliquist died unexpectedly on Jan. 6, 2010, at her home in Prescott, Ariz. Ellen was born to Elmer and Mabel (Anderson) Lilliquist on Oct. 8, 1928, in Beaver Dam, Wis. Ellen graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1946. During her senior year, she was selected to be the secretary to the Superintendent of Schools, a position she had for two years following her graduation. In 1948 she moved to Denver, Colo., and worked as a Stenographer-Auditor for United States Fidelity & Guaranty, Company. She returned to Wisconsin in 1950 and began her career with Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors as a stenographer, and a year later, was promoted to secretary to the zone manager for the Milwaukee zone. In 1973, after working for nearly two decades in a secretarial capacity, Ellen became the first woman promoted to a managerial position with General Motors. Following an intensive training course at General Motors Institute in Michigan, and an internship at a dealership in Wilmington, Del., Ellen was appointed to the position of District Sales manager for the Little Rock, Ark., district, a position that involved extensive travel to the zone's 37 dealerships. A year later, she was promoted to car distributor for the Memphis zone. Her next move took her to New Jersey, and she ended her career with Pontiac in Michigan, as coordinator for the GM Protection Plan in 1987. Following her retirement, she moved to Prescott, Ariz., where she immersed herself in the community. Ellen served on the Board of Directors for the Yavapai College Symphony Board of Directors, and was instrumental in the development of the sculpture garden. She worked with the Cemetery Association to preserve and maintain the graves in Prescott's Pioneer Cemetery. She was an art docent and enjoyed the many trips taken with this group. Ellen also was a member of CO Chapter of PEO, the General Motor's Retirees Club and the Prescott United Methodist Church. Ellen had a life-long passion for travel, and enjoyed her trips to China, Kenya, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, the Middle East and all of Europe as well as Mexico, Canada and all of the United States. She enjoyed sports, both as a spectator and a participant, and was an enthusiastic patron of the performing arts. Ellen was a member of the "Round Robins"-currently a group of 12 high school classmates who have maintained a continual correspondence for 54 years. While living in Milwaukee, she was the women's club champion at Sunset View Golf Course for four years. No matter what her zip code, she always cheered for the Green Bay Packers. Ellen is survived by one sister, Jean Sheskey of Beaver Dam, Wis.; one niece, Cindy Sheskey of Chippewa Falls, Wis.; a special cousin, Sandra (Lilliquist) Abney and her husband Robert of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; other cousins and relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Gail Elsesser; two brothers-in law, Rodney Sheskey and Elden Elsesser. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010, at the Prescott United Methodist Church. Inurnment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Beaver Dam, Wis., at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Beaver Dam High School Scholarship Fund, the Yavapai College Symphony Association, the PEO Program for Continuing Education or the Prescott United Methodist Church would be appreciated. Hampton Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Information provided by survivors.