Ella Mae Burg, age 94, of Hot Springs, SD passed away June 22, 2008, at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, SD.

Ella Mae Hight was born August 22, 1913 in Pringle, Custer County, SD to John Milton and Mary Hight. On July 28, 1936 she was united in marriage to Albert Jacob Burg in Deadwood, SD. A daughter, Joanne, was born to them on July 12, 1937.

For many years the Burgs ranched in the Hot Springs area. In 1957 Ella started working for the Hot Springs Public Schools as a baker in the school lunch room. One year later she became the elementary secretary and continued in that capacity for 29 years. She retired on August 3, 1987.

Ella was an active member of St. John's Lutheran Church having served on the Board of the Church Women for many years. She was the first woman to be elected to the Church Council, serving as Secretary. She and her husband Albert served on the Building and Parsonage Committees. She was also a Sunday school teacher and was an active choir member and director.

Ella served on three Anniversary Committees. She was chosen Pioneer Woman of the Year on Labor Day 2003 at the Fall River County Museum Celebration.

She leaves to mourn her loss, one daughter, Joanne March of Huachuca City, AZ; two grandsons, two great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, one brother and four sisters.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 26, 2008 at McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs.

Services will be held 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 27, 2008 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Hot Springs with Intern Ben McIntire officiating. Interment will follow at the Smithwick Cemetery in Smithwick, SD.

A memorial has been established in Ella's name for St. John's Lutheran Church which is to be designated by family or the Church Council.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Hot Springs. Written condolences can be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.