Ella M. Fitch was born July 2, 1933, in Milesville, South Dakota, the daughter of Harve and Mary (Bodkin) Fitch. She grew up and received her education in the Milesville school. She later attended Philip High School, and during that time lived with Howard and Dorothy Kennedy.
Ella was united in marriage to George Hart on November 22, 1949, in Huron, South Dakota. After their marriage, they moved to Philip where George was a carpenter and Ella stayed home to raise their six children.
Ella earned her G.E.D. May 3, 1979, with the help of her daughter, Linda.
Ella worked at various places in the Philip area, including Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital, Philip Nursing Home, the Kadoka Truckstop, managed the Senechal Café in Philip, and later ran the Creative Cottage for four years.
Ella was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the Sacred Heart Evening Guild, and the Bad River Senior Citizens, all of Philip.
Ella spent many hours helping people in the area when they were sick or in need of care including many trips to Rapid City. She also took care of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their spouses were Ella’s life.
Ella enjoyed gardening and flowers.
Grateful for having shared her life are her two sons, Steve Hart and his wife Vickie of Denver, Colorado, and Tom Hart and his wife Rita of Brea, California; four daughters, Linda Kuchenbecker and her husband Keith of Rapid City, Pam Ingram and her husband Jerry of Philip, Cindy O’Connell and her husband Kent of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and Susan Heinz and her husband Jack of Philip; seventeen grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; a brother Ed Fitch of Philip; one sister Dorothy Nesberg of Madison, Wisconsin; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Ella was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Bud Fitch; one sister Mary Jane Hovland; and a nephew Harry Hoag.
Visitation was held 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 15, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Philip, with a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial was held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 16, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Ron Garry as celebrant, and Father Tim Hoag as con-celebrant.
Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.
A memorial is established.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Tuesday, October 16, 2007 – 10:00 a.m., Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Philip, South Dakota
CELEBRANT: Father Ron Garry
CON-CELEBRANT: Father Tim Hoag
MUSIC: Marianne Frein – Organist, Maureen Palecek – Vocalist: "Be Not Afraid" , "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" , "Ave Maria" , "Beyond The Sunset"
LECTOR: Rita O’Connell
ALTAR SERVERS: Tristen Rush – Kyle Schulz
USHERS: Denny Kennedy – Lloyd Frein
PALLBEARERS: Billy O’Connell – Michael O’Connell, Matt Heinz – Garret Kuchenbecker, Richard Hart – Anthony Hart, Josh Hart – T.J. Hart
HONORARY PALLBEARERS: All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT: Masonic Cemetery, Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
My deepest sympathies on the loss of your loved one. I am sure she will be missed by all. May God Bless you and your family during your time of need.
All our love -
Jeff, Theresa, Cameron, Madisan and Dylan Foster
~ Jeff and Theresa Foster
5800 Tropicana Court Killeen, TX 76549 (10/11/2007)
Ella was always there with a twinkle in her eye and a laugh. She listened, cared and helped any way she could. Always had the coffee pot on and goodies for those who stopped. She will be missed by all who knew her.
~ Bill and Marsha Sumpter
Kadoka,SD (10/11/2007)
I just wanted you to know I am praying for all of you during this difficult time. I will always think of Ella as the Martha Stewart of Philip. She could make something out of anything. Her gift of giving to others will always be her trade-mark....she will be missed. Her mansion in heaven will not need an interior decorator...I am confident she has ALREADY DONE IT!
~ Judy Olney & family
Wall SD (10/11/2007)
I WILL MISS ARE TALKS LOVE YA MOM
~ Steven Lee Hart
8664 W 75th Way Arvada, Colorado 80005 (10/11/2007)
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with you. We sure enjoyed the talks and times we were able to share with Ella. We loved her smile and she could always make us laugh. She was a talented lady, who will definitely be missed. God's Blessings to Ella's family.
~ Dave and Cheryl Dick
621 N Highland, Beloit, KS 67420 (10/11/2007)
What a lady Ella was!!! She was like a "breath of fresh air" whenever you saw her. She would always go out of her way to come and give a hug. I will definitely miss seeing her. She was so proud of all of you. She definitely was and is a shining light!! Please know that God is right there with you and will help you through this difficult time. He never leaves his children alone and gives strength that is beyond belief.
~ Roxy and Ray Formanek
Philip (10/11/2007)
Deepest sympathy to all of Ella's family. We went to school together and were always glad to see each other during the summers we spent in Philip. We will miss her greetings and smile.
~ Bev & Cork Jahner
Kerrville, Texas (10/11/2007)
To the Family of Ella,
When I learned of Ella's passing my heart broke, she was so good to my brother Patrick and I and even our children. When our mother past away she would always ask me if we were doing alright and was there any thing she could do for us, so now in your time of sorrow if there is any thing I can do even lend a ear to listen I well be there for all of you. She was a angel among us and now she well be able to rest and just think she well be able to breath and have no trouble doing so. I'm sure my mother has welcomed her home and now they well wait for us one by one. I will miss her so much she meant so much to me and my family. Our thoughts are with all of you during this time.
My God Bless you all,
Michelle, Patrick, Terri Leigh and Travis
~ Michelle, Travis Brenner and Patrick, Terri Leigh Craven
27 Madison St. Apt.1 Rapid City, SD 57701 (10/11/2007)
Mom, What are we going to do without you? I can't call you morning, noon and night and some times more. You are the best mom anyone would hope for. You raised us six and did a great job, anything we needed you were always there to help. When I was so sick that time in the hospital you never left my side. You and Jack rubbed my back until your hands bled. You continually stayed by my side until I was better. You always took care of anyone who needed help. Mom we didn't even get to say goodbye, everything happened so quick. Mom, we are all going to miss you. We are all going to love you forever. Mom, thank you for all you have ever done for us. Love ya lots - Susan
~ Susan Heinz
(10/11/2007)
To Ella's family:
What a beautiful women, inside and out. Ella was always so kind, thoughtful and caring to everyone she knew. If ever there was the "perfect" mom/grandma Ella was it! She will be missed by all.
God Bless You All
~ Selma Thorson
(10/11/2007)
My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your loved one.
~ Bonnie Fitzgerald
Bartlett, TN 38134 (10/11/2007)
To all of Ella's family-
We understand that the loss of Ella was indeed a shock and quite sudden; so much harder to accept things when they happen that way. She held such important positions in the lives of SO many people, her passing will truly leave a void. Our best to all of you as you learn to live life without her in person, but knowing that her tremendous memory will live on always.
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill Family
Milesville (10/11/2007)
Susan, Pam, Linda and family,
I can not tell you the sadness in my heart when I read the loss of your Mom, she was such a joy to come every week and let me do her hair when I had my shop in Philip. She was so understanding and loving at all times. She will be missed by all, but please know that she is in such a wonderful place now. Maybe her and Mom have already ran into each other and visiting about old times. Mom always loved going down to her shop when she had it in Philip. My blessings and prayers go out to you all. God Be With each and every one of you.
~ Lynette (Bendigo) Kurth
Rapid City SD (10/11/2007)
We are so sorry for your loss. We wish we could be there in your time of need and grief. Ella was a very special woman and will be greatly missed!
Luv Ya, The Simonds
~ Ben and Kris Simonds
Renton, Washington (10/11/2007)
Ella was a special person to me. I got to know her well working at Zeeb Pharmacy. I always enjoyed my talks with her when I would deliver things to her house. She was a very kind and thoughtful person. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
~ Amanda Schofield
Casper, Wyoming (10/11/2007)
We are so sorry for your loss We always enjoyed seeing Ella, She was a lovely lady.
~ Harold and Mary Schnee
Box 437 Kadoka, SD (10/11/2007)
What a wonderful woman. Her vigor and enthusiasm always made me smile. My thoughts and prayers go out to Ella, her family, and everyone she has touched. She will be missed greatly! ~Chris
Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers, it means so much to us. I am deeply touched by all of the heartfelt messages. Grandma was there for so many and always a comfort to others in need. Her full life and carried out Purpose leaves me comforted in this difficult time. I know she is in a
better place. I know she feels loved. I know she will always be with us in spirit. She will be missed dearly but remembered daily. ~Jana
I love you Grandma. ~Savannah
~ Chris & Jana Kenzy (Kuchenbecker)
Rapid City, SD (10/11/2007)
Words cannot express my sorrow for your loss. Ella said that she was very blessed, her family loved her and took very good care of her. She was a very special lady that always wanted to know how you were and how things were going for you, no matter what was going on in her life. I will miss my visits with her a lot.
~ Lynn K Hanson
P.O. Box 731 (10/11/2007)
I am very sorry that I can't be there. It upset's me that I could not visit more often, but Grandma you were always in my heart and prayers. I'm glad as a child that I was able to come visit you every summer. You will be missed by everyone.
~ Katie Hart
14654 97th Road North West Palm Beach, Florida (10/11/2007)
When I married Ella's son, Tom, I gained the best mother-in-law & family one could hope for. Even after Tom & I divorced, Ella & I continued to stay in touch. I will never forget her spunk, her laugh, the mischievous look in her eyes, her generosity, but mostly her love for everyone & everything around her. She has left a void now in our physical lives, but she'll always be in our hearts & memories. I wish I could be there to honor her one last time, but due to business commitments I will be on the road for the next 2 1/2 weeks. My prayers & thoughts are with all of you, now & always. Cindy
~ Cindy (Hart) Mannella
284 Ohio Rd., Lake Worth, FL 33467 (10/11/2007)
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
~ Mark & Lynn Seifert
1775 Degeest Drive, Rapid City, SD 57703 (10/11/2007)
Pam
Sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during your time of sorrow.
~ Digger Beckwith
211 Upper Valley, Spearfish (10/11/2007)
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. She always took time to visit with us and was always so interested in what all of our kids were doing. I think she was everyone's mother or grandmother. We always gave Ella boxes of apples from our tree and she made the best apple pie. I know she gave away way more pies than she ever kept---it was just her way. She was a fine lady and will be missed by all.
~ Tom & Karen Husband
13089 Timber Lane, Rapid City, SD (10/11/2007)
Ella was a dear, dear lady with a heart of gold. I usually ran into her at the post office and I will miss her daily greeting and smile. We will hold you close in thought and will lift you up in prayer as you deal with the many, many details that inevitably accompany death. God Bless You.
~ Jeanie Waara
P.O. Box 369 Philip, SD 57567 (10/11/2007)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your mother was a very special person and will be greatly missed.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City SD (10/11/2007)
Hi Kids: Sorry that I couldn't stay for the funeral but had already left for AZ. I sure loved your Mom one of my best friends. I suppose that she was sitting on the casket looking to see who came and all the things that she wanted to know. We had many morning coffees together and visited about her/my families so knew what was going on. Hope that Tom is doing alright too. Keep in touch see you when I get home in the spring.
Love Rae Crowser
~ Rae Crowser
Philip/AZ (10/11/2007)
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. You know how much we will miss Aunt Ella. We all loved her so much. Ella had such a kind heart- we will never forget all that she did for our family when Hank and Eileen became ill. She was a god sent!
We will miss her dearly!
~ James & Cindy Hoag
Black Hawk, SD (10/11/2007)
We wish to thank everyone for their thoughtfulness whether it be food, flowers, memorial money, a card, or words of comfort after the loss of our mother, Ella. We loved her dearly and her love will remain in our hearts forever. Sadie Rae Singleton told Linda just to remember that there was just one more star shining brightly in the sky. Linda went out that night looking for that star but never saw it. After the burial at the cemetery the grandchildren released balloons with notes written inside them to Grandma Ella. Just before they went out of sight they formed a perfect star. We know Mother will be watching over us always. Again, we thank you for thinking of us at our time of loss.
~ Linda Kuchenbecker, Pam Ingram, Susan Heinz, Cindy O'Connell, Tom & Steve Hart
Philip, South Dakota 57567 (10/11/2007)
Thank you mom for you. Thank you for the great family I have. Brothers, sisters, and of course kids, You were loved by so many. Remember you were loved. You were a shining star.
~ O'Connells
6700 Beard Ave N. (10/11/2007)
So sorry to hear about Ella. I had just seen her in the hospital when I was home. I worked with Ella at the nursing home and we always had a lot of fun together. Remember the good times, it helps with the sadness. We have another angel to watch over us. Once again, so sorry for your loss.
~ Ann Rowcliffe Roberts
2101 Fort Collins CO 80526 (10/11/2007)
I'm so sorry and saddened about the death of Ella. She was a wonderful woman and friend to everybody. I am so glad that i got a visit in with her not long ago. She will be greatly missed by us all.
~ Bonnie Moses
Exeter, NE (10/11/2007)
We were so sorry to hear of Ella's passing. She always had a kind word and a smile for us. She had such a lovely sense of humor and I am sure she is just making everyone smile in heaven. We will keep all of you in our prayers.
Donna
Jay, Kirstyn, Christopher and Kirslyn
Jeanette, Finley, Rachel, Alyson and Shelby Noelle
~ Donna Hart Lockhart, Jay Hart and family, Jeanette Hart Boyer and family
1914 Aspen Lane, Garland, Texas 75044 (10/11/2007)
Sorry to hear about Ella. She was always so kind hearted, she will be missed. My thought's and prayers are with you all.
~ Shelley Seager
202 Rd E Sutton, NE 68979 (10/11/2007)