Natasha Churchill

Natasha Nicole Churchill passed away April 27, 2018, at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck, ND. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, at Charity Lutheran Church, 120 Aspen Ave., Bismarck, with the Rev. Scott Bauman officiating. Visitation will be held at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, on Friday, May 4, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Natasha was born to Brenda Marzigliano and Stephen Read on March 12, 1986, in Florence, AL. She moved to Hazen, ND, with her mother in 1986 and then to Wahpeton in 1989. Brenda met Joel Ellingson in 1992 and they raised Natasha together in Wahpeton. Natasha moved back to Hazen in 2004, where she graduated from Hazen High School in 2005. She was always a model student and a talented writer of poetry – some of which is published. She also enjoyed cheerleading for Hazen High and drill team with the Hazen Highlights. After graduating high school, she moved to Kingsland, GA, and married David Gleaton on December 15, 2006. Kimber Kay Gleaton was born May 3, 2007. Natasha moved to Bismarck in 2008 and was re-married to Josh Churchill on June 28, 2011. Their first born, Emma Grace, entered this world on October 28, 2011. Their second born child, Addison Marie, was born June 4, 2013. They were a loving blended family and both Josh and Natasha raised each other’s respective children – including Josh’s son, Grant Patrick – as their own. Frequently referred to as a “firecracker,” Natasha’s amazing zest for life was unmatched by anyone in our lives. Her quick wit and incredible sense of humor always kept us on our toes. Natasha was also a creative spirit and enjoyed art, gardening, and writing poetry. She had a love for great music and was an amazing dancer. An amazing cook, Natasha used every opportunity to entertain, always whipping up lots of delicious snacks and hors d’oeuvres. She was a very dedicated 4th year special education student, consistently achieving a 4.0 GPA, and was so excited to fulfill her nearly lifelong dream of becoming an educator. Her incredible talent for teaching, even prior to entering the education program, was evident when she was able to, with ease, bring her son Grant’s reading skills to his grade level when many others were unable. Natasha’s love for her children was unending and she always cherished her time with them. Her husband, Josh, loved Natasha more than anything in life and Natasha would frequently tell Josh and their friends of her love for him. Natasha’s untimely passing has been indescribably difficult for her loved ones and all those who were fortunate enough to get to know her throughout life. Our love for her is unending and the wonderful memories of our time with her will endure forever. Grateful for sharing her life is her husband, Josh Churchill; her son, Grant; daughters, Kimber, Emma, and Addison; mother, Brenda Marzigliano; father, Joel Ellingson; brothers, Caleb Ellingson and Hollis Read; sister, Megan (Josh) Cooper and their daughter, Brooklyn; grandmothers, Monica Schrempf, Marcile Ellingson, and Delores Read; grandfathers Gerald Schrempf and Thomas Read; aunts, Tanya Schrempf and Christina (Marty) Meyer; uncle, Dennis Marzigliano; cousins, Grace and Jaxon Schrempf, Charlie and Sam Meyer, Diana Marzigliano, Josh (Hillary) and Dustin Read; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Brian and Tammy Churchill; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ashley (Zach) Pulver, and their kids, Nora and Owen; and Josh’s grandparents, Bob and Arlean Balkowitsch, and Pat Churchill. Natasha was preceded in death by her biological father, Stephen Read; and great-grandmother, Elcie Schrempf.