Ella Marie Tautfest

Ella Marie Tautfest was born on May 14, 1924, in Canton, Ohio to John and Emma (Link) Tautfest.

She passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023, at Jane Phiilips Nowata Hospital at the age of 99.

Ella loved to read the Bible and devote her time to the church.  She was one of eight girls and was a teacher in the Seventh Day Adventist school system in Oklahoma and Texas until her retirement at age 66.  

Ella had her master’s degree and was a member of the U.S. Navy WAVES, where she was Storekeeper First Class, before attending college and teaching school.  After retirement, she tutored literacy for 15 years in the Nowata Library.

Ella Marie was an avid bird watcher and often kept track of the different birds that she saw each day.  Another hobby was painting pictures of interesting things in her everyday life.  She often wrote poetry and raise flowers, entering her poems and flowers in the Nowata County Fair.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and by five sisters, Emily Henry, Dorothy Redmon, Eudora May Hill, Ida Pauline Tautfest, and Susie Tyler. Survivors include sisters, Genny Hallett and Jerry Johnson, both of Nowata; as well as 18 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Wednesday, 9am to 8pm at Benjamin Funeral Service.  Graveside services will be held 10am, Thursday, August 3, 2023, at Talala Fairview Cemetery with Pastor Dominick Alipoon officiating. Services and interment are under the direction of Benjamin Funeral Service.  To send and online condolence, visit www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com.