Ella Barrett, long time resident of Hiawatha, passed away peacefully Thursday morning, March 30, 2017 at Maple Heights.

Ella was born on December 1, 1919, to John and Anna (Dombrowe) Oltjen of Robinson, Kansas. She grew up on a farm outside of Robinson near the Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, where she was active in choir and women’s ministries and a member her entire life.

She married her husband of 60 years, Thomas Barrett, while he was in the Navy. They were married in San Diego and later lived in Livermore, California, until he was discharged. They returned to Hiawatha where she worked for the Brown County Soil Conservation Service until she retired.

Ella is survived by her two children, six grandchildren, and six great grandchildren. Her daughter, Margaret Bleeker, currently lives in Santa Barbara, California, and her son and his wife, John and Debi Barrett, currently live in Houston, Texas.

She was preceded in death her husband, Thomas Barrett, her parents, John and Anna Oltjen, her brother, Alfred Oltjen and his wife Mary, and their son Paul Oltjen.

A Celebration of Ella’s life is planned for 2 p.m. Monday, April 3, at Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, 1803 Sumac Road, Robinson, with Pastor Steve Evans officiating. Interment will follow at the Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to services Monday at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Upper Wolf Lutheran Church, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com