Ella Marie Rast, 83, died Friday, Oct. 25, 2013 of a sudden heart attack while gardening at her home. Ella was born on Dec. 22, 1929, to Edward and Emma Ruff Rast in American Falls, ID. She attended Mt. Hope School in Pleasant Valley and graduated from American Falls High School. Ella became a registered nurse after completing the program at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, OR. She married Paul Hunter and moved to California.
Ella later returned to Idaho and worked at American Falls and Bannock Memorial Hospitals. After several years she returned to Portland and continued her nursing career. During her years in Portland, Ella enjoyed outdoor activities, rental property investment, writing and spending time with family.
Upon retirement from nursing she returned to American Falls and later to Pocatello. Ella was active in painting, hiking, gardening, writing, and was a life-long learner. She was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Pocatello, the Pocatello Art Center and the Idaho Watercolor Society. Ella published two books, one on local history and another on immigration of Germans from Russia.
Ella is survived by sister Elaine Havlicak of American Falls; brother Harold Rast of Gales Creek, OR; daughter Dianne Aparicio of Sugar Land, TX; Paul “Hank” Hunter of Richland, WA; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in American Falls. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. in the Fireside Room at the church.
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.davisrosemortuary.com.
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