Ellis Westley Pittenger, 93, died on February 22, 2025, in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He was born on January 31, 1932, in Cooperstown, North Dakota to Irene Pratt and Ellis J. Pittenger.

He attended country grade school and graduated from Cooperstown High School in 1949, attended one year of college at North Dakota School of Science at Wahpeton from 1954-1955. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War.

Ellis married Flora Hagle on October 18, 1951, and they were together for over 70 years until Flora's passing in May of 2022.  After moving to Bismarck, North Dakota in 1955, he was employed by AMOCO at the Mandan Oil Refinery for 32 years. He proudly retired at the age of 56.

After retirement, he and Flora spent 6 months each winter for 23 years in Mesa, Arizona and the summers in Bismarck, North Dakota. His family was the most important part of his life and music was the 2nd. He sang and played the bass guitar in country/western bands for 34 years, 17 years in the Bismarck area and 17 years during the winters in the Mesa area. He was an avid stamp and coin collector and enjoyed doing an in-depth genealogy for both his parents and Flora's parents.

Ellis and Flora moved to Bella Vista in 2017 to be near their son.

Ellis was a life member of the Am Vets, Eagles, Elks, AFM (musicians union) local 229, and a 62-year member of the American Legion.

To know Ellis was to know a friend who was honest and loyal, who cared deeply about people and always had a joke to share. His sense of humor was enjoyed by all.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Flora; his parents; one half-brother, David Pittenger; one half-sister, Cheryl (Vern) Overby; and one granddaughter, Sarah Pittenger.

He is survived by his one daughter, Kathie Lou (Mylo) Hagen; one son, Wesley (Cathe) Pittenger; two granddaughters, Heather (Chris) Sailor and Carrie (TJ) Mittelstaedt; two great grandchildren, Dexter and Scarlet Sailor; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who he loved.

Per Ellis' request, cremation has taken place and no services are planned. A burial at the Mandan Veterans Cemetery will be held later this year.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.