Ella Ricci, longtime Auburn resident, passed away peacefully on December 10th following a long illness. Ella was born in St. Paul Minnesota on March 9, 1927, the youngest of five children of Eli and Emma Klos Martin.

Ella grew up in Staples, MN where she graduated Salutatorian. She attended Business College in Spokane, WA and then was employed by Northern Pacific Railroad in the accounting department. It was there that she met her future husband Victor. They were married in 1946 and had five children: Gerald (Laura), Victor Jr., Cynde (Dennis), Kyle (Sue), and Mark (Ranae). In addition, she is survived by 9 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Ella was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years and sons Gerald and Victor Jr, all 4 siblings and foster parents, Mae and Emil Anderson.

Ella’s favorite thing was family time. She enjoyed all holidays but especially Christmas. She and Vic traveled extensively and they enjoyed square dancing, round dancing and camping with their trailer club. Ella also loved playing bridge, Bingo, and Suduko at which she excelled. Crocheting was another pastime and she made afghans for family and friends (about 40 of them). Ella loved life, her God, her family and her friends, of which she had so many. She said that love was the most important thing and she lived that motto.

The funeral Mass for Ella will be celebrated on Thursday, December 15 at 11:00 AM at St. Stephen the Martyr Church in Renton (13055 SE 192nd, Renton, 98058).