Ella G. James

RUSHFORD, MINN. - Ella G. James, 96, of Rushford, died Wednesday, May 3, 2006, at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford. She was born on January 16, 1910, in rural Houston County, Minn. to Nick and Ida (Thorson) Overby. Ella grew up in Houston County and attended Ferndale Country School as well as Rushford School. On June 1, 1931, she married Melvin James at the Rushford Lutheran Church Parsonage. She and her husband owned and operated the Southside Grocery Store in Rushford. Ella also worked for Pastor Wang, the Rushford Bakery, and other jobs in Rushford. She was a member of the Rushford Lutheran Church and its ladies aide, where she enjoyed making lefse for the Cod Fish dinner. She enjoyed crocheting, word searches, embroidering, car rides, and baby sitting her grandchildren. Ella is survived by one son, Leland (Donna) James of Rushford; four grandchildren: Scott (Christi) James of Byron, Minn., Nancy (Geff) Dornink of Fountain, Minn., Todd (Michele) James of Rushford, and Kristine (Gary) Stennes of Rushford; ten great- grandchildren: Cassie, Holli, Adam, Kerri, Erick, Matthew, Katie, Sawyer, Madeline, and Jacob; two sisters: Helen Rustad and Edna Rustad, both of Rushford. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two brothers: Arwin and Carl. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, May 8, at the Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call on Sunday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church. The family prefers memorials to the Rushford Lutheran Church, Good Shepherd Lutheran Home, or the American Cancer Society. Please feel free to share a memory of Ella or sign the guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com