Glenn Ellen Sorensen passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, at Canyon Creek Memory Care Center in Billings, Montana.
Glenn Ellen was born on June 19, 1945, in Nashville, Tennessee, to Mitchell and Virginia Hayes. She was raised in Dickson, Tennessee, alongside her older brother, Phillip. From an early age, her independent spirit shone brightly; she preferred playing with the boys, getting her hands dirty, and charting her own path-traits that would define her life.
An exceptional athlete, Glenn Ellen found her stride on the basketball court. She lettered as a freshman and was team captain her senior year. She is still remembered in Dickson by many as one of the best basketball players to ever come through the program, renowned for her leadership and for never missing a free throw. Equally gifted academically, she graduated as salutatorian of her high school class.
After one year at Lipscomb University, Glenn Ellen entered nursing school at Vanderbilt University. There, she met medical student Dave Sorensen. The two soon fell in love and were married in 1968 following her graduation.
In 1969, Glenn Ellen and Dave were stationed at a U.S. Army base in Dachau, Germany, where they spent three years and welcomed their first daughter, Julie. After Dave’s military service, they returned to Nashville, where their second daughter, Emily, was born. Drawn westward by a sense of adventure, the family later settled in Billings, Montana, where they welcomed their son, Chris.
Montana became a place where Glenn Ellen truly felt at home. She discovered a deep love for camping, fly fishing, hiking, skiing, and any activity that allowed her to immerse herself in nature with her family. She formed many lifelong friendships in Billings, sharing countless outdoor adventures and meaningful moments.
While raising her family, Glenn Ellen remained steadfast in her calling to care for others. She was a founding member of the Deaconess Hospital Foundation Board and put her nursing degree to meaningful use as a nurse for migrant workers-a role she deeply loved and took great pride in. She also worked for several years as a nurse in an ophthalmology surgery clinic, continuing her lifelong dedication to service and compassion. In addition, she volunteered extensively with Hospice and Big Brothers Big Sisters, giving generously of her time and heart.
Beyond her many accomplishments, Glenn Ellen will be remembered for her warmth and presence. She had an infectious smile and a playful spirit that reflected her kindness, humor, and the joy she brought to everyone around her.
Glenn Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Mitchell and Virginia Hayes, and her brother, Phillip Hayes. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dave; her daughters, Julie Franklin (Mark) and Emily Cottom (Travis); her son, Chris Sorensen; and her grandchildren, Joey and Elizabeth Franklin, and William and Phillip Cottom.
Published by Billings Gazette from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1, 2026.
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This obituary was published by Smith Funeral Chapel-Laurel & Columbus.
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