Ella Skager

Ella Skager, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 18, 2016, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center. Funeral services will be at 11:00 am Thursday, January 21, at Bismarck Baptist Church, 2211 Laforest Ave, Bismarck, with Rev. Allen Finger officiating. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Bismarck. Visitation will be from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm Wednesday, January 20, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Ella was born April 16, 1926, in Emmons County to Phillip and Emma Schlittenhardt. The family lived in Temvik until moving to Bismarck in 1944, where Ella graduated from Bismarck High School. She was proud that all her children and grandchildren graduated from the same high school as her. Ella began her business career at the Bismarck Tribune, where she worked for many years. Her love of numbers and accounting took her to the bookkeeping department at the Baptist Home, where she worked for 30 years, retiring in 1989. Ella married Edwin Skager in Bismarck on August 28, 1956 where they made their home and raised their 3 children. They were devoted to family and their most enjoyable times were spent with their children and grandchildren. Ella’s faith was very important to her. She was a long time member of Bismarck Baptist Church, spending many years teaching Sunday School and playing piano and organ. Although Eddie was known to be the chef of the family, Ella also enjoyed making special dishes for her family, including her German cheese buttons and dumplings, her famous coleslaw, and the family favorite crazy corn at Christmas. After Eddie’s death in 2000, Ella moved to an apartment and was fortunate to have her sister, Martha, live with her. Together, they spent time cooking, baking, and just being sisters. We are so grateful for the loving compassion and assistance Aunt Martha gave to our mom. Ella moved to Missouri Slope where she enjoyed visiting with the residents and staff, keeping busy playing bingo and working puzzle books. Special thanks to her great niece, Chelsie, and all the staff at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for the loving care and companionship they gave to mom. Their exceptional care and comfort helped Ella to keep her smile, quick wit, and soft giggle to her last day. Ella will be greatly missed by her children, Brenda Bosch, Bryan (Wendy) Skager, Brad (Laura) Skager, all of Bismarck; her grandchildren, Scott (Jen), Tyler, Casey (Shanna), Jeremy, Riley, Kari, Gena, and her great-grandchildren, Hallah, Collin, and Leah. She is also survived by her sister and brothers, Martha Just, Texas, George Schlittenhardt, Valley City, Dennis (Bonnie) Schlittenhardt, Bismarck, Darrell (Oddie) Schlittenhardt, Bismarck; her sisters-in-law and brothers –in-law; as well as many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eddie; her grandson, Benjamin; her sisters, Christina and Alma; her brother, Herman; sister-in-law, Alyce; brother –in-law, Henry; nieces, Ruth and Vickie; and nephew, Ronnie.