Bonita L. Ellingson

Born November 30, 1920 in Ekalaka, Montana. Proceeded in death by her parents; Christian Engberg, May Hendrick, her husband, Clifford Ellingson and siblings Crystal Hartzell, Garland Engerg, Berta Engberg, Kenneth Enberg, Byron Enberg, Delores Anderson, and Ronald Enberg.

Survived by; her daughter Charlene Kane, granddaughter Kim Haines (Keith), grandson Branon Kane (Jody), great-grandchildren Dyllon Haines, Cody Haines, Brayden Haines, Emery Kane, and Weston Kane and one sister, Nina Whalin and many nieces and nephews.

Lived in Ekalaka, MT and Belle Fourche, SD as a child. Shortly after High School she married Clifford Ellingson from Spearfish, SD. They married in the United Methodist Church in Rapid City, SD.

As a young couple they moved to Riverside, Ca. Following her husband to be stationed in Texas, Oklahoma and Washington during WWII. She worked a Civil Service position in the Almond Rocca factory in Washington.

After WWII they moved back to Rapid City, SD. In their ventures in dirt moving, well drilling and mobile home parks, she was the bookkeeper and a stay at home mom, yet sold make-up and jewelry at home parties. She and a group of mothers chartered the “North Rapid Mothers Club” and owned a small church used for family events.

Bonita could design a dress, make the pattern (a class she ordered by mail), find the best deals on fabric and make it look “store bought”, the highest compliment of the time. She was a Girl Scout Leader of a troop of 30 girls. She appreciated the artist skills and liked to use oils and pastels herself. As a long-time member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority, she chaired many committees.

They developed Cherry Ave Mobile Home Park as well as Deluxe Mobile Home Park in Rapid City. They moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL for a short while then moving to California in 1969 to start businesses and build their home of 30 years in Ripon. Loving to travel, RV and golf they were long time members of Spring Creek Golf & Country Club. Above ALL she was so proud and enjoyed her grandchildren and their accomplishments.

The many lifetime friends were welcome in her home anytime. She lived at Bethel Retirement Community in Modesto for 3 years and enjoyed the choice of many activities each day.

Any donations to:  Community Hospice

                                  4368 Spyres Way

                                  Modesto CA. 95356

Graveside services at Lakewood Cemetery Friday, August 31, 2018 at 9am for family & friends

Reception to follow in Ripon