Ellen Shaw Huttel

Ellen Shaw Huttel (nee Richardson), 96, passed away peacefully at Life Care Center of Punta Gorda on January 7, 2022. She was born on September 11, 1925, in Mollinsburn, Scotland, to Walter Richardson and Matilda Mason.

Ellen proudly served in the Land Army in Scotland at age 15. Ellen moved to Duluth, Minnesota, at age 21 to marry Don Carlson, a G.I. she had met at a dance in Scotland. Don and Ellen had two children. They divorced and Ellen remarried Robert Huttel in 1956. Ellen lived in Arizona for several years and moved to Punta Gorda in 2015.

Here is a poem written in 1987 by Ellen’s daughter: “Ella was a Scottish lass with flashing auburn hair. Like her locks, her dazzling smile turned many a head to stare. Her sparkling eyes confessed a yen for spirited adventure, And dared the brave ones in her path to try to keep up with her. Her figure was an hourglass, with muscles toned by labor. At night she’d often find the time to dance with friends and neighbors. Dancing was not the only form of music that she knew. Her lilting voice enhanced the tones of many a Scottish tune. This Scottish lass has since become an American named Ellen. I’ve told a bit about her though I didn’t know her well then. I’ve known this lass turned Yankee, now, for thirty-seven years. We’ve been through happy times together and also shed some tears. I love the Scottish lassie yet, that still resides within her. The American part is okay, too. You see, she is my mother!”

Ellen is survived by son Randall Carlson (Esther) and daughter Bonnie Baker (Phil), four grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Ellen’s memorial service will be held this summer in Duluth, Minnesota. Cremation was done by Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Punta Gorda.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kayspongerpg.com for the Huttel family.