Ellen Doris Burruss

Ellen Doris Burruss (Sutten)
February 6, 1931 – February 7, 2018
Ellen Doris Sutten was born on February 6, 1931, in Sunnyside (Outlook), Washington to Wellend and Cecil (Conley) Sutten, the fourth of 5 children.
Her family relocated when she was a small child to Benton City, Washington. She started and finished her formal education at Kiona Benton schools, graduating in 1950. She was a member of the Pep Club, Student Council, and Softball Team.
In 1950 she married her high school sweetheart, Ronald G Burruss. They had 6 children, 3 sons and 3 daughters. They made several short moves before returning to a small family farm in Benton City.
Ellen worked as a waitress, and in 1977 after raising their children in Benton City, they purchased a gas station, restaurant, and grocery store combination in the small town of Bickleton, Washington. They operated the store for many years before buying a small farm and orchard in Washougal, Washington. They ultimately settled in Dayton, Washington. In her later years, Ellen relocated to Kennewick to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
Ellen enjoyed many things, cards and games, gardening, sewing, bingo and golf to name a few. Above all, she loved life and she loved her family. She had a kind heart and a quick wit, making her an absolute joy to be around. Ellen attended the United Brethren Christian Church, in Dayton. For many years she coordinated the annual family pilgrimage to Dayton for Turkey Bingo. It was her excitement for the event and the fun and laughs we had that brought us across miles, and sometimes States, to sit uncomfortably for hours at the small elementary school cafeteria tables. We just wanted to spend time with her. She was the center of her family and loved deeply by her children and grandchildren. Her lap was frequently occupied by at least one baby or small child. She made us all feel like we were her favorite. She will be deeply missed.

Ellen is preceded in death by her son Dean (Penny) Burruss, parents Welland and Cecil Sutten, Brother Calvin, sisters Elva and Florence.

She is survived by her sister Carolyn (Gary) Fennell, children; Gary (Joetta) Burruss, Carol (Mike) Stordahl, Kim (Donnie Zordel) DiSalvo, Tony Burruss, and Kay (Vince) Shiflet. Grandchildren Tracy (Kerry) Clark, Nettie (Gene) Giles, Christine (Danny) Wingle, Michael (Christian) Stordahl, Jennifer (Dan) Murphy, Heidi (Kurtiss) Kunkle, Elisha (Ray) Armstrong, Cale (Kacey) Burruss, Aaron (Alexis) Doherty, Shae (Minnie) Doherty, Jeanna Doherty, Jennifer (Bob) Doherty, Michelle (Curt) Emerick, Travis (Melissa) Killen, Amanda (Charlie) Cardwell, and Karissa Shiflet. She is also survived by 31 great-grandchildren (to be joined by 2 more grandsons in 2018), and 2 great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held in Benton City at the Evergreen Cemetery on March 16, 2018 at 1:00 pm and will be followed by a celebration of life lunch at the Benton City Park, Community center.