"Dear Pam, Julie, Kim, and Ame' Your mom has certainly left a wonderful legacy of family strengths. She was always so kind and gentle to all those around her. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with your family. Love, John and Nancy Dury"
In loving memory of
Ellen Marie Retterer
February 15, 1924 - July 2, 2017
Ellen Marie Mitchell Retterer
Age 93, of Indianapolis, passed away on Sunday July 2, 2017, surrounded by her loving family. Ellen was born in Madison, South Dakota on February 15, 1924 to the late Caroline Marie Pedersen Mitchell and Harold Welch Mitchell. Ellen graduated from Ames High School, then received dual Bachelor's degrees in Science and Textiles and Clothing from Iowa State University. She was a member of the Kappa Delta Sorority, and a member of the Varsity Women's Tennis Team.
After moving to Indianapolis, Ellen began working for L.S. Ayres in 1946, where she met many lifelong friends. In 1980 she began working and residing as the House Manager at the Eli Lilly House on Sunset Lane, owned by Indiana University. This opportunity, Ellen said, "changed my life". Ellen was passionate in her community service; she was a long time volunteer at Riviera Club, School #84, Broad Ripple High School, Tabernacle Presbyterian Church, Children's Museum Guild (50+ year member), Day Nursery (50+ year member), Methodist Hospital Task Core (25 years - life member), The Sunsetters, Latreian, and The North Group of the Women's Symphony Orchestra. Those that knew Ellen will remember her love and compassion for her family, her greatest pride.
She is survived by her sister Flossie Morrison (Craig) and preceded in death by her sister Carolyn Guggedahl Stewart. Ellen is also survived by her 4 daughters, Pam Waymouth (Bob), Julie Retterer (Tom Lusk), Kim Retterer, and Ame` Alerding (Joe), 6 grandchildren, Jaime Waymouth (Molly), Joe Alerding (Caitlin), Tommy Alerding, Lindsay DeWilde (Jacob), Ellen Kennedy (Bill), and Robbie Alerding, and 9 great-grandchildren, George Waymouth, Agnes Waymouth, Graeme Alerding, Owen Alerding, Kate Kennedy, Francis Waymouth, Grace Kennedy, Joey Alerding, and Jack DeWilde.
The family wants to thank Dr. Chuck Hasbrook, St. Vincent's Hospice, John Gable, and her many many friends. Thank you. She loved you all.
Family and friends will gather for a Celebration of Life on July 29,2017 at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church at 10:00 AM.
"Make friends - give flowers." Memorial contributions can be made to Tabernacle Presbyterian Church.
Tributes
"The last of the great school 84 moms! She was such a great role model to so many. She had such style and grace. Loved the Retterer's awesome home, especially the best kitchen ever! Thinking of you all, Lovingly, Sandy Moorhead Hale"
"Your Mom was an inspiration.....going to your house "to play" & bake congo bars was such a joy. It felt like stepping into a "secret garden," entering through the back gate.....and the charm and warmth of your Mom's decorating style was beautiful and comforting! I am looking forward to seeing you all, along with Stan!"