Ella Mae Irene Phernetton, 88, passed away peacefully December 28, 2010 at the Baldwin Care center after a very lengthily illness. Ella Mae was born March 22, 1922 to Elmer and Hattie (Thoreson)

Smith in Wilson Wisconsin. She grew up with her siblings on the family Farm south of Baldwin.   In 1939 she graduated from Baldwin High School. She spent her entire lifetime in the Baldwin area.  She married Paul ( Silas) Phernetton in 1945.  The marriage would be blessed with four children.  Over the years she worked at the Baldwin Elevator, was a homemaker, worked at Hemness Grocery Store and at the ASCS Office until her health caused her retirement. With both her and Silas retired they spent time with their family and friends. They enjoyed spending time in their vegetable garden and she loved to can her homegrown produce.  They liked to travel around the country. Most sunny summer days were spent fishing on Turtle Lake where they had their trailer.. They enjoyed playing cards.  Any excuse was a good one to sit down have a cup of coffee and chat.  Si passed away in 1986. Ella Mae remained in the family home.   She was very creative. As her health permitted her activities included sewing, knitting, crocheting and making crafts.   She enjoyed her outings “with the girls”.  Eating out with the girls always made for another good story.  Ella Mae had a good sense of humor and enjoyed a good joke.  She enjoyed listening to music. Reading the paper was a daily ritual.  She loved to travel. Especially to Co to see her children and grandchildren.  She even made Vegas. She cherished her family and the time she could spend with them. In October of 1995 Ella Mae moved to the Baldwin Care Center. Although her health continued to decline over the years she got to be well known by the staff and residents alike. She will be missed by them.

She was preceded in death by her parents Elmer and Hattie Smith, her loving husband Silas, her brother Charles Smith, and her sister and sister in law Audrey (Smith) Phernetton.

She is survived by her children Kay Phernetton of MN, Helen (Lenard) Stewart of Co, Larry Phernetton of WI and Paul (Christy) Phernetton of AZ.  She has 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.  She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.  Some very “Special” caring relatives Donna (Phernetton) Arne, Judy (Phernetton) McMillian and Ron Phernetton.   She is also survived by her “Second family “the staff of the Baldwin Care Center. We are very grateful for the love, care and compassion that was shown to her over her 15 plus years there. Ella Mae touched many lives.  She will be sadly missed by her family and in the hearts of all those who knew her.

Service will be 11AM Wednesday January 5th 2011 at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin.  Interment following at the Baldwin Cemetery in Baldwin. Friends and family will be received at the church hall following the service.  Visitation will be on Tuesday  from 4 until 7PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin.  Memorials preferred.