Ella M. Mcgraw

Ella "Sis" (Bruhn) McGraw passed away suddenly, but peacefully, May 20, 2021.

Ella was born June 28, 1938 in Wyoming Valley near Spring Green, WI on the family farm to Charles and Lucy (Gundlach) Bruhn. Ella was placed in a bread tin and put on the wood stove to stay warm. Her siblings often reminded her she was "half baked!".

On April 4, 1959, Ella was united in Marriage to Kenneth (Kenny) McGraw. After they were married, they worked for a few years farming. Mom's mother, Lucy moved in with them soon after they were married and remained with them until her death. Mom was very dedicated to her mom. In 1963, they moved to Madison and built a home on the northeast side and continued their long, dedicated life in the employment field. Ella worked as a homemaker, manager at Kellys and line worker at Tuscarora Plastics until her retirement at age 60. Retirement lasted 3 days, then she worked at Culvers in Waunakee for at least 15 years until a car accident forced her to quit work. Mom became a widow at the young age of 51. She took her marriage vows very seriously and remained single the rest of her life. She was a selfless person to the bone that put others way before herself. It took some serious heart failure to stop her enormous, strong heart. Mom's family and friends meant the world to her, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mom's hobbies revolved around her kids mainly as mom and dad rarely went anywhere without us. Fishing and hunting were the main events. We spent many summer days at our summer cabin on the Mississippi River.

She is survived by her children, Greg (Charlene), Marlene (Randy), Joe, Frank (Cheryl) and Margie. Also by her favorites, grandchildren, Amanda, Casey, Cameron, Connor, Kenny, Matt, Rachel, Melissa, Cole, and Garrett. And, even more favorites, Great Grandchildren, Jayden, Josslynn, Conor, and Hazel. Also survived by Sister-in-law, Elaine Bruhn, Sister-in-law Beulah McGraw and many nieces and nephews whom she adored dearly. But .... the apples of her eye were her animals, cats - Madge, Butter Cup, Buddy, Daisy May and most especially her dog Paddy - AKA Pidder Padder.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Son, Dean, her parents, in-laws Eddie and Lucille (Stevens) Siblings, Wilfred (June), Ken (Shirley), Ellen (Bill), George (Pat), Hazel (Lenny), Earl (Max), Charles (Mildred) Frank (Julie) and Karl. And her brother-in-law, Charles McGraw.

It was heartbreaking, but mom battled Dementia for several years. We tried very hard to keep her home, but then it was no longer safe. She lived at Waunakee Manor since June 2019 and received excellent care. She loved teasing the caregivers and I think we are safe to say, she was a favorite on the unit. On behalf of the family, we would like to thank Waunakee Manor for their wonderful and compassionate care for our mother.

We will miss you mom, but it's comforting that you are no longer sick. It's going to take a long time before there will be less tears. There was a long line waiting for you and I know the reunion was unimaginable. Rest easy now, you have more than earned it.

There will be a gathering on Wednesday May 26, 2021 at The Shed, 123 Lexington St., Spring Green, WI in the garden area from 5pm-8pm. A big thank you to Mark and Wynn Dedrick for allowing us to use their venue. PLEASE wear casual, summer dress.