Mary E. Peart

Ella was born on December 23, 1912, in Cuba City, Wisconsin, the daughter of Nicholas and Cora (Kendall) Murray. She married Howard Birkett in 1933. She later married Melvin Peart in 1964. Both preceded her in death. Ella’s working days began early in life leaving school after eighth grade to tend a sick brother at home and later assisting young mothers. As a young widow with three small girls and no driver’s license, she provided for her family by cleaning houses, working in a factory, waiting tables at the Elmo Club, and cooking. Ultimately Ella became the Head Cook at Benton Schools when the hot lunch program began. Family was incredibly important to Ella, and care-giving was her mission in life. Her home was a place where family and friends were always welcomed and never left empty handed. Survivors include three daughters, June (Keith) Pickel, of Platteville, Jerry (Bob) Green, of Machesney Park, Illinois, Judy (Mick) Vaughn, of Benton; a step-daughter Marsha Havertape, of Janesville, Wisconsin; a brother, Pat (Nancy) Murray, of Cuba City; two sisters, Gloria (Joe) Vaughn, of Dundee, Illinois, and Deane (James) Kennedy, of Dubuque; eighteen grandchildren; forty-nine great-grandchildren; and twenty great-great grandchildren. Ella was also preceded in death by eight brothers, William, Mark, Donald, Joe, Doug, Kendall, Glenn, and Nick; one sister, Agnes; and a step-son Loren (Joe) Peart. A Mary E. "Ella" Peart Memorial Fund has been established.