Ellen M. Stilwell (nee Kaufmann) of West Allis was called home to Heaven on August 9, 2020 at the age of 89. Preceded in death by her loving son, Charlie, she looked forward to the time she could be reunited with him. Mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She had a wonderful and caring companion, William Anderson, with whom she spent the last 23 years of her life. These years were her best. "2nd Mom" and Grandma to William's children and grandchildren. She loved and cherished Roxy, a little Maltese, who truly was the apple of her eye. Roxy was the most recent in a long line of dogs that Ellen was "mother" to. Ellen was loved by many. She had a wonderful sense of humor and could be feisty as heck and very strong-willed. Even in her later years when she wasn't at her best health-wise, her sense of humor never waned. Extremely generous and giving, always putting other people first. She truly had a heart of gold. She always had time to listen or lend an ear. She was an animal lover and regularly donated to many animal rescue organizations. She loved watching the backyard birds from the kitchen window and made sure William fed them every day. Ellen was very strong in her faith.
Ellen had a very distinct and unique way of describing things or getting her point across that always made us laugh. "Ellenisms" would be a good way to describe them. She took pride in her appearance and no matter how sick she was, she took care to look her best. She was a beautiful woman inside and out and her outward appearance truly reflected her inner beauty.

Special thanks to the staff of Vitas Hospice

Private visitation and service will be held on Friday, August 14 at Hartson Funeral Home with burial at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.