Ella (Sartori) Ruffalo passed away at the age of 101 in Chatfield Chosen Valley Care Center on February 20, 2012.

Ella was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 12, 1910.  She graduated from High School in 1927.  On September 1, 1930 she married Louis Ruffalo.  They then moved to Aurora, Illinois and presided there until 1952, when the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota and purchased the Victory Café located on 2 ^nd Street SW across the street from St. Marys hospital.  Louis and Ella operated that restaurant until 1970.  Her husband Louis passed away in 1972.  In 1973 she re-entered the work world after enjoying only two years of retirement.  She worked for her son, Carl Louis at Ruffalo Drug for 30 years until the age of 92.  Ella enjoyed entertaining her family and friend on holidays, birthdays, and all special occasions.  In fact everyday of her life was a celebration.  She loved decorating, sewing, knitting, shopping, going out for meals with family and friends.  She religiously logged in her journal everyday from the age of 20.  She traveled extensively to Europe, California, New Orleans, Louisiana and many other states.  She was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church and worked tirelessly for the St. Francis Cabrini Club.

Ella is survived by her son Carl Ruffalo and his wife Muriel and their five children who all reside in Rochester and her daughter Carol Ruffalo Brunett and her four children who reside in Southern California.  She is also survived by thirteen great grand children.

A funeral Mass will be held on March 17, 2012 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home at 11:30am with Rev. Paul E. Nelson officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service.  Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.

The family requests memorials be sent to the charity of donor's choice.

Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com