Mary Ellen Lutman

Mary is survived by her six children: Angela Hoppe, Barbara (John) Flaharty, Steve (Lori) Hoppe, Keith (Tani) Hoppe, Amanda (Mike) Bogart, and Janell (Mike) Cascia. She is also survived by her fifteen grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, siblings: Alvin, Lawrence, and Bob, as well as countless other nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Henry Pierce and her siblings: Rose, Clarence, Henrietta, Gayle, and Darlene.

Mary Ellen Lutman (née Pierce), was born on February 15, 1947 in Carrington, North Dakota. Mary grew up on a farm in Juanita, North Dakota where she lived until her first marriage at 18 years old to Paul Hoppe in 1965. Mary then married Charles Lutman in 1977 and moved to California in 1985. In addition to raising her six children, Mary worked in retail at Kmart, Hallmark, and Walgreens. She retired in 2012 and resettled in Alice, North Dakota. When Mary returned to California to visit family in 2014, she was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. Even though this type of cancer is aggressive, and the treatment is difficult, Mary beat cancer for the second time in her life. Mary’s strength has been an inspiration to all who knew her. She never let chemo or radiation get in the way or enjoying life. Mary took a road trip all over California with her daughters and granddaughters when she completed treatment in 2015.

Mary’s pleasures in life were many. Mary enjoyed the decorative arts, which she showcased in her holiday decorations, jewelry, and her collection of teapots, despite being an exclusive coffee drinker. Mary liked to be pampered, whether that was having her grandchildren play with her hair or having her nails done. She enjoyed doing puzzles, playing Yahtzee, drinking coffee, reading mystery novels and celebrity gossip magazines, and gardening. Above all things, the greatest pleasure in Mary’s life was her family. Mary never missed an opportunity to visit with her family and the holidays were no exception. Her home was always packed with family, her kitchen was always filled with food, and her heart was always full of love. Mary’s generosity knew no limits when it came to her family. She was happy to lend her home, her car, and even pajamas for an impromptu sleep over, she would always be there with her distinctive, “hello”.

Mary never ceased to surprise and amaze her family. From recovering time and time again from health setbacks to dancing in the kitchen, her spirit inspired all those lucky enough to call her family or friend. Mary will be remembered for her strength of body and spirit and for her unending love of her family. Mary will forever be in our hearts.