Victorville, Calif.: Ellen Bertha Hall (Buntrock), born Aug. 17, 1924, outside of Columbia, died peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2013, in Victorville.
Ellen was the fourth child of Ernest and Selma Buntrock of Columbia and was predeceased in death by her former husband, Keith Hall; by brother, the Rev. Orville Buntrock; brother, Harold Buntrock; sister, Ruby Buntrock Mueller; and brother, Darwin Buntrock.
She is survived her daughter, Nyona Sims; two grandsons: David and Michael Sims; and two great-grandchildren: Christina and Noah Sims.
Ellen graduated from Columbia High School in 1942 and moved to California in 1944. Ellen lived for over 60 years in Long Beach, Calif. Her daughter, Nyona Sims, has said that Ellen was one of the hardest workers and one of the best caregivers that she ever knew. Nyona suffered from rheumatic fever in her early years and Ellen nursed her through the illness. Ellen worked as a bookkeeper for a Dodge car dealership for almost 15 years. In the late 1960s, Nyona convinced Ellen to take a class in shorthand and computer programming with her, which they both completed successfully. Nyona got a job with McDonnell Douglas in Huntingdon Beach and Ellen got a job with McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach. Ellen had a strong Christian faith and attended Bible study classes for many years with her neighbor, Martha Blythyn. Ellen was often in South Dakota, especially in the late 1980s when her mother, Selma Buntrock (Podoll), was in poor health. Ellen's favorite sport was long distance telephoning, as she loved to keep in touch with local South Dakota news.
A funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Tom Schilling on Monday, July 15, 2013, at the Victor Valley Mortuary Chapel. Glenda Buntrock Harriston (daughter of Harold Buntrock) placed the Buntrock family Bible on Ellen's casket at the service. Roland Mueller of Seal Beach, Calif., an elementary school classmate of Ellen, attended the funeral service. Ken and Barbara Buntrock of Hingham, Mass., also attended.
Condolences can be forwarded through Ken Buntrock at 47 Clubhouse Drive, Hingham, MA 02043.