Ellen ‘Punkin’ Berg was born March 7th, 1949, and passed away peacefully at the ranch surrounded by family on October 22nd, 2024 after a short but courageous battle with cancer. She was the first daughter of Johnnie and Fief (Josephine) Arthun and would later be joined by her little sister, Julie. As a family they owned and operated the Wilsall Hardware Store. Ellen was given the nickname Punkin as a child and it stuck!
Ellen attended Montana State University and received a degree in education and would go on to teach Home Economics in Livingston for seven years. She always laughed that she didn’t pass many of those skills down to her kids.
Ellen married the love of her life, George, on June 25th, 1978. She moved out to Fort Logan Ranch and began a wonderful new chapter. Although she didn’t grow up ranching, she jumped in with both feet, sorting cows, baling hay, and heat detecting, just to name a few. She also loved to farm and developed a new and faster rolling technique – to avoid all the big rocks! And one time she was out rolling and didn’t realize the roller had come unhitched until she made a full pass around the field.
Ellen and George welcomed Ashley and Kelly in January of 1981 and Sam in October of 1986. As much as she liked to help with ranching, she was glad when all the kids were old enough to help!
She was welcoming to all who stopped by. Usually there was a pot of coffee on and a delicious baked good coming out of the oven. Over the years we think people helped with brandings just to eat Ellen’s amazing food. If you were lucky enough to enjoy Ellen’s peanut brittle around the holidays, you were lucky enough.
We recently got her a sign that reads, ‘You’re the Mom everyone wishes they had.’ She was so devoted to her family, her Christian faith, and her friends far and wide. She was generous and kind and her smile and infectious laugh could light up every room.
Ellen and George were so thrilled with their kids’ spouses. Nate, Paul and Chennell are amazing additions to the Berg family.
In 2013 her grandson, Bryce was born and in 2017 her granddaughter, Ellie. She became their ‘Umma’ and took the role very seriously. She spoiled them with treats, toys and hugs. They were able to show her their Halloween costumes the weekend before she passed.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George. She is survived by her children, Ashley (Nate) Bashkirew, Kelly (Paul) Ludlow, Sam (Chennell) Berg, grandchildren Bryce and Ellie Bashkirew, sister Julie (Gary) Amundson, sisters-in-law Mary (Fred) Lind and Jane (Eric) Kato, many amazing nieces and nephews. Ellen is also survived by her other ‘son’ Jason (Christie) Barker and her other ‘daughters’ Libby Johnston and Mari Hamm, her besties, Becky, Teresa and Cheri, along with her other ‘grandchildren’ Max and Bridger Barker and Emma and Taya Hamm. Punk also leaves behind her treasured cousin, Gordon Doig. Those two had their share of laughs over the years.
As per her wishes, a formal service will not be held. Please think of Ellen when Willie Nelson sings or at each sunrise or sunset. If you would like to make a donation in her name, we recommend The Donnie Johnston Memorial Foundation at the local library, The Meagher County Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.
Lorrie Vennes says
Our prayers are with you. Cherish the memories you have, they will help you in the days to come.
Our sympathy,
Gail and Lorrie Vennes
Karie Wiltgen says
Oh Im so sad to read this. Love Punki so. A winderful lady. ❤️🙏
The Hoffs says
Memories of Ellen’s radiant smile and cute giggle warm our saddened hearts. May they fill your hearts with a plethora of happy memories. DG hugs are abounding.
Sean says
Sending our love and support . What a lucky lady she was to live a life so full, and surrounded by so much love. We feel very fortunate to have shared in her love, laughter, and kindness through her children. Our hearts are with you all.
With all our love and deepest condolences,
Sean, Kaylee, Ethan, Keeva, and Finn (Ludlow)
Bonnie Fastje says
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers.
Ellis and Rhonda Boyd says
A classic good ranching partner and homemaker .
Demi Blair says
She always brightened my day when she came shopping for her kids/grandkids. Her happiness was contagious.
Stuart Swandal says
Sad to hear my condolences to the family including Julie who was in my class at Wilsall
Sandra says
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. It is so hard to lose someone as nice as Ellen.
Alicia Gilman says
I’m so glad that I got to spend some time with this amazing woman. The stories and advice she shared about having and raising twin daughters will always stick with me. Rest in peace you beautiful soul!
kathy palmer says
Ellen was always so nice to everyone and just seemed to have a glow from inside her.
Lynne Saunders says
What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful mother, grandmother and friend to so many.
Lynne Westbrook Saunders (DG pledge “68)
Mary and Jerry Murphy says
How very lucky I was to have shared so many good times , so many laughs and so much wonderful food, (recipe box is full of Ellen’s hand written cards!) I have lots of good memories of my dear friend and will always hear her infectious laugh when I think of her. Ellen brought joy to many and will be missed. I know your hearts are heavy with the grief of your loss ~ Jerry and I send our deepest condolences. May all your wonderful memories bring you comfort .
Mary & Jerry Murphy
Gun-Britt Hardmo-Carlsson says
So sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences.
Gun-Britt(Britt) Hardmo-Carlsson in Sweden
Robert Stromberg says
Sending my love and condolences ! Blessings, bob Stromberg
Kay Gannon says
Love and prayers. Punky was a wonderful person. She will be missed.
Susan Tonkovich Bussinger says
I am reminded of Ellen as my Delta Gamma sorority sister at Montana State University, Class of 1971. She was an off-campus roommate and a bridesmaid at my wedding. Her happy energy was contagious and I couldn’t listen to country western music without thinking of her. She worked tirelessly to convert my music taste.