Ellenmae Kawaianuhea Parker Selu

Ellenmae Kawaianuhea Parker Selu passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 9, 2009 in Salt Lake City. Ellen was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on September 7, 1931 to Elizabeth Kaili Awo and Clement Kuakini Parker, Jr. She is the oldest of 3 daughters. Her sisters are Evanita Ilaban and Lanalei Kauhola of Honolulu, Hawaii. She married Wayne Isaako Selu Sr. on Sept 2, 1951. Their marriage was solemnized in the Hawaii, Laie Temple. Ellen is survived by her children, Lei Selu-Johnson, Penina Thomas, Teuila Puckett, Haunani Howell, and Parker Selu. She is preceded in death by her youngest son, Wayne Jr., her husband, sister (Evanita), and her parents. She has 13 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Ellen is a Kamehameha High School graduate of 1949. She spent most of her professional experience as an Assistant Terminal Manager and Terminal Manager for The Greyhound Bus Lines. She also contracted with Greyhound in SLC as a commissioned agent in 1986 and became President of Selu, Inc. Fifteen years before her retirement in 2007, Ellen worked for Cottonwood Hospital as Patient Service Registrar.

Her community and volunteer service includes: Member of Governor's Utah Polynesian Advisory Council, Member of Ethnic Minority Health Commission, Board member for Utah Hawaiian Civic Club, Host for the "Voice of Polynesia" Radio KRCL in Utah (known as Mama Selu for over 20 years), Director on the Mainland Council for the Assoc. of Hawaiian Civic Clubs, and Board member for the Iosepa Historical Association. She is a recipient of the Governor's Award for Women for Outstanding Community Service for Polynesians in Utah.

She is dearly loved by her children, grandchildren, and family and will be missed. As she always said during her lifetime, "A Hui Hou!" Funeral services will be held Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11:00am at the Granger West 11th Ward, 3901 West 2925 South. Friends and family can visit Sunday evening at 6:00pm at the church and Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30am prior to the service. Interment: Redwood Memorial Estates. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com. Flowers may be sent to Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, SLC.