Ella (Pister) Hegney, 87, Minot, and formerly of Max, Ruso and Kief, died on Friday, June 26, 2009 in her home.

Ella was born June 20, 1922, on the family farm in Strasburg Township of Sheridan County to George and Rosa (Shock) Pister. She was reared on the family farm and attended rural schools in that area. As a young adult she was employed as a housekeeper and child-care provider.

Ella married Selmer Hegney on Dec. 4, 1944. in Washburn. They made their home in Minot until they moved to a farm in Otis Township of McLean County, near Ruso, where they farmed side by side until the death of Selmer on Dec. 6, 1986. Ella moved to Max in 1987, where she lived until moving to Minot in September 2008.

Ella was a longtime member of St. John Lutheran Church, Kongsberg, until moving to Max. She then transferred her membership to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Max, and was a member of its Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the Max Senior Citizens. She especially enjoyed visiting her family and friends, her flower gardens, quilting and bowling; but her number one priority was her grandchildren.

Ella's loving family includes: her daughters, Maxine (Kenneth) Doll of Bismarck, Sandra (Alfred) Hauf of Max, Lonie (Garry) Hauf of Max, JoAnn (John) Bishop of Minot, Bonnie (Rodney) Plesuk of Surrey, and a granddaughter whom she raised, Lisa Marie Jenner of Minot; grandchildren, Cliff (Mary Jo) Doll, Marla (Don) Flath, Kim (Rodney) Keller, Ricki (Tammy) Hauf, Lynette (Dan) Nelson, Jerry (Tanya) Hauf, Bryan (Donita) Hauf, Melissa (Shawn) Kramer, Bonita (Cody) Roswick, Lisa (Greg) Jenner, Maidie (Roger) Enget, Katie (Neil) Janz, JaMie (Pete) Hankla, Joshua (Nicole) Bishop, Jennifer (Nathan) Smith, Nicole (Jamie) Magnuson, Reid (Jessica) Plesuk, Ryley (Danielle) Plesuk; five stepgrandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; eight stepgreat-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister, Faith Hegney of Velva; brother, Frank Pister of Kief; sisters-in-law, Helen Pister of Harvey and Mabel Pister of Minot; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ella was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Selmer; son, Selmer Jr.; sisters, Anna Erman, Lydia Ness, Elizabeth Pister and Ida Schremser; and brothers Otto, Ted and George Pister Jr.

Funeral service: Thursday, July 2, 2009, at 11 a.m. in St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Max.

Interment: Will be at the Kief Cemetery.

Visitation: Wednesday, July 1, from 2 to 7 p.m. in the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com).