Ella A. Hahn

Ella A. Hahn, 100 born on April 4, 1917, in Grandview, Oregon, passed away September 28, 2017. She resided in Fountain Valley, California at the time of her passing. Survived by brother, Don Wasmundt, daughters, Marvella Rosenow, Sandi Shields and Peggy Gabbard, Son-in-law, Jim Gabbard and lots and lots of grandchildren!

Ella's parents were, Wilhelm and Clara Stumpe, both German immigrants who met and married in America and were homesteaders in Oregon. She had a pioneer spirit, loved fishing, playing cards, making fudge, sewing, quilting, crocheting and traveling but most of all she loved being with her family. Ella came from a large, very close and loving family. She had 5 sisters and 3 brothers, Herman, Frieda, Harry, Lillian, Shirley, Clare, Millie and Don.

Among many attributes, Ella was both intelligent and a trailblazer. In 1943, while the men were fighting WWII, Ella worked as a ship welder, more commonly known as "Wendy the Welder" (cousin to Rosie the Riveter). In 1961, while working at Autonetics, she set a new individual high in award money and received a record-sized check for suggesting an insulation change in magnetic computer heads.

In the 1960's and 70's, her home on Younger Drive was where her children and their families gathered. Dinner consisted of either fried chicken or chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, biscuits, pie and ice cream.

Ella was generous, kind and giving. If she saw a need, she would give "the shirt off her back" or anything else for that matter. In 1988, New Year's Eve, Ella was in Lake Tahoe, enjoying playing on the slot machines. She asked the woman next to her to keep an eye on her coat while she went to the restroom. When she returned, a passerby had stolen her coat. Instead of getting upset, she simply said, "Well, they must have needed it more than I do." This is just one of many examples of her kindness and sweet self.

Ella (Grandma) leaves us with a legacy of wisdom, strength and a positive attitude and because "Life is too short to waste, be happy because after all, it costs just the same."