Ella Thresia Otto, age 88, of St. Elizabeth, passed away on Sunday, January 1, 2017, at University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics in Columbia. She was born in St. Elizabeth on March 7, 1928, daughter of the late Stephen and Rosa (Luetkemeyer) Bax. On May 6, 1950, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth, Ella married Norbert Joseph Otto, who preceded her in death on May 6, 1993.

Ella was a member of the St. Elizabeth Quilting Club, St. Ann's Sodality and St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

She is survived by three sons, Patrick Otto and wife Helen; Richard Otto and wife Pam, and Tim Otto and wife Carla all of St. Elizabeth; four daughters, Jane Doerhoff and husband Bert of St. Elizabeth, Charlene Buschjost and husband Randy of St. Thomas, Debra Libbert and husband Leon of St. Elizabeth; and Lisa Wilde and husband James of St. Elizabeth; 22 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; three step great-grandchildren; one brother, Stanley Bax and wife Evelyn of St. Elizabeth; two sisters, Emma McNew of Wardsville and Jerline Moreland of Jefferson City; and three sisters-in-law, Catherine Otto of St. Anthony, Florence Plassmeyer and husband Albert of St. Elizabeth; and Mary Lee Bax of Wardsville.

She was also preceded in death by one grandson, Richard Lee Otto; five brothers, Charlie Bax, Wilfred Bax, Walter Bax, Clarence Bax, and Steve Bax and one sister, Mildred Lacy.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service held at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, January 3, at the St. Elizabeth Community Center.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 4, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in St. Elizabeth. Fr. Joby Thomas will officiate. Interment will be in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Lawrence Cemetery.