One Ellsworth woman and one Amery woman died in a car crash on icy roads south of Ellsworth last week.

At 3:55 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash with injuries on US Highway 63 near 770th Street in Trenton Township. A 2013 Kia Optima driven by Jena Klos, 43, Ellsworth, was traveling southbound on US Highway 63 when she collided with a 2012 Chevy Equinox, driven by Rodney Buck, 77, Amery, who was heading north on Highway 63.

Red Wing Ambulance transported Klos to Regions Hospital in St. Paul where she was later pronounced dead. Red Wing Ambulance transported Buck to Mayo Hospital in Red Wing, then transferred him to Saint Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minn. with undisclosed injuries. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office pronounced his passenger, Betty Buck, 77, Amery, dead at the scene.

Red Wing and Ellsworth fire departments, Red Wing and Ellsworth Ambulance, and Red Wing and Ellsworth police departments assisted PCSO at the scene.

According to Klos’ obituary, she was born on May 24, 1982 to James and Judy Klos in St. Paul. She is survived by her children, Isabelle Wodkowski (20), Gavin Klos (17), Jax Klos (12), and Griffin Winger (9); her parents, Jim and Judy Klos; her sister, Jessica (William) Penn; her nephews, William and Henry Penn; her two dogs, Maggie and Hazel-Bean; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

She enjoyed the outdoors, including agate rock hunting, gardening, and horseback riding. She also loved her dogs, Maggie and Hazel-Bean. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7 at C3 Church in Ellsworth, with visitation one hour prior.

A GoFundMe has been set up by family friend Tara Olson of Ellsworth. You can donate at https://gofund.me/87639b895

“All funds raised will be directed to Isabelle to be used as needed to support her and her brothers,” the page states. “These funds are expected to help cover funeral and burial costs as well as daily living expenses and continuing support as the family tries to process and keep Jena's children as connected as possible.

“Loss of a loved one is among the toughest experiences many of us will ever have to endure and I am truly heart-broken that these amazing kids have to learn to navigate this life without their mom. Her adoration for her children was the driving force behind her sobriety journey, and she had created a loving and nurturing life for them.”