Ellen Marie Smallwood

Ellen Marie Smallwood, age 70, of Rock Springs, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at St. Clare Hospital in Baraboo. She was born on August 25, 1953, in Reedsburg, the daughter of Henry W. and Anna W. (Ribbke) Horstmann.

Ellen left home at age 14 with the circus and traveled with the show all over the world.

She was a graduate of Webb High School. She was baptized and confirmed in St. John Lutheran Church, Rock Springs. Ellen was employed as a table games dealer for 20 years at Ho Chunk Casino, Wisconsin Dells. She was a lifelong collector of turtles, and also collected gemstones, rings and various types of wind chimes.  In her younger years she enjoyed woodworking and making items for family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Syvilla Rego, Anita Schepp, Glenda Horstmann,  Jeanette Ninnemann, Herman, Roy and Carl Horstmann; nephews, Bruce Rego and Tristan Clark; and niece Janean Schepp.

She is survived by her daughter, Katherine Smallwood, grandchildren, Kylee Smallwood, Kaylin Spink, and Monroe Kilgore; siblings, Henry (Gloria) Horstmann, Rueben (Sharon) Horstmann, Lila Shimniok, Loretta (Jerry) Henry; many nieces, nephews; along with other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Ellen will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, April 25, 2024, at the Farber Funeral Home in Reedsburg with Chaplain Mike Amberg officiating. Burial will follow the service at St. John Cemetery, Rock Springs. Visitation will be on Thursday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

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