Ellis B. Hauenstein, 86, of Bluffton died 2:49 a.m. March 15, 2011 at Bluffton Hospital.

He was born July 7, 1924 in Bluffton to Levi and Lenna Huber Hauenstein. On Aug. 20, 1947 he married Betty J. Risser and she survives.

Mr. Hauenstein was a farmer and also retired from Ex-Cell-O Corp. He was a member of Bluffton Trinity United Methodist Church and the Ada VFW.

In World War II he was a driver for General George Patton.

Survivors also include a son, Robert L. (Nancy L.) Hauenstein of Lakeview, three daughters, Carolyn Sue (Daryl) Shields of Bluffton, Mary Lou (Fred) Carroccio of Findlay, Jean Ann (Michael) Rule of Bluffton, four grandsons and six great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a great granddaughter, a brother, Wayne Hauenstein and two sisters, Velma Moser and Dorothy Schweitzer.

Funeral services will begin at 10 a.m. Friday at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home, Bluffton. Rev. Donald L. Clinger will officiate. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Bluffton with military rites by the Ada VFW Post 9381.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mennonite Memorial Home Greenhouse Project. Online condolences may be made www.chiles-lamanfh.com.