Ella Jeanette Stotz, 90, passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
Ella was born on May 6, 1935, to Henry and Margaret (Luithle) Buechler in Walworth County. She graduated from Bowdle High School in 1953. On May 31, 1953, she married Verlyn Stotz. Three children were born to this union—Sheri, Michael, and Mark.
Ella’s love of learning began in a one-room country school in 1940. She eventually earned her PhD from the University of South Dakota in 1985. Ella and Verlyn moved to Rapid City, in 1988, where she became assistant superintendent of schools in the Douglas School system and later taught at Black Hills State University.
Ella’s love of music was reflected in her teenage years playing piano for the Buechler church and various instruments in high school. She was the church organist of the American Lutheran Church in Huron, for 20 years.
Ella is survived by two children: Sheri (Tracy) Settle of Bradenton, Fla., and Mark (Paula) Stotz of Rapid City; four grandchildren: Christopher (April) Stotz of Polk City, Iowa, Melissa (Dustin) Ferris of Sioux City, Iowa, Levi Stotz of Tucson, Ariz., and Shelby Nesci of Bradenton, Fla.; four great grandchildren: Eleanor and Samuel Stotz; Sage Nesci; and Coral Ferris; three sisters: Wilma Wolff of Aberdeen, Linda (Jimmy) Toller of Westhoff, Texas, and DeAnn (Richard) Weber of Aberdeen; her brother-in-law, Leland (Marjean) Stotz of Tolstoy; and a very special niece, Kelly Anderberg, of Rapid City.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Verlyn Stotz; her parents, Henry and Margaret Buechler; her son, Michael Stotz; her granddaughter Margaret; and numerous siblings.
Ella will be laid to rest at the German Zion Congregational Cemetery in Tolstoy. The family will hold a private gathering.
In place of flowers, a memorial has been established for the Tolstoy Zion Cemetery Fund and P.E.O. Chapter BM, Rapid City. Condolences may be sent to 4273 Rosemary Lane, Rapid City, SD 57702.
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