Ellen E. Reger

May 7, 1947 - October 5, 2022
Ellen E. Reger

Gifts & Memorial Donations



In the early hours of October 5th, 2022, Ellen Ena Reger, 75, passed peacefully in her sleep in Yorktown, Virginia after dealing with complications from a stroke.

Born May 7th, 1947 in Merrill, Wisconsin, to Fred and Ena Reger, Ellen enjoyed going to the county fair, being with her friends, and Green Bay Packer football. After graduating Merrill High School in 1965, she attended beautician school in Milwaukee and later achieved a degree in nursing and went on to become a Registered Nurse in Wausau, Wisconsin.

In the late 80’s, growing tired of Wisconsin’s balmy winters and looking for a change, she moved to Williamsburg, Virginia. There she had her only child, Derrick Reger, in 1989 and continued her nursing career at Eastern State Hospital. Her love and compassion in raising Derrick was awe-inspiring. She opened the world for him and herself through travel, adventure, love, and support.

In her free time, Ellen loved gardening, reading, bird watching, and taking care of her cat. She loved going on frequent walks in Colonial Williamsburg. After retiring from nursing in 2012, her door was always open for visiting neighbors to keep her company on Lake Pasbehegh. She kept busy by volunteering at Jamestown Settlement and the Kimball Theater.

Ellen is survived by her sister Gayla Reger, son Derrick (Courtney) Reger, and two grandsons, Finley Reger and Vince Reger. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 14th at 4pm at Bucktrout Funeral Home of Williamsburg. An additional Celebration will take place in Merrill in Spring 2023.




Memorial Service

Friday, October 14, 2022
4:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

Purchase Flowers

Subscribe to this Obituary

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Tribute Wall

Please feel free to sign the guestbook or share a memory



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


  • October 19, 2022
    Pam Johnson says:
    Sending my sincere condolences for the loss of my dear friend Ellen. I worked at the Kimball Theatre will her behind the concession stand. I wish I knew when the service was I could of been there, but I did visit her in Yorktown. I’ll hold those memories of her always. Pam Johnson farmhousepam@yahoo.com

  • October 12, 2022
    Helena Estes-Johnson says:
    I am going to miss you even though we did not get to see each other often. I will miss your kindness, sense of humor, love of animals, your home on the water, and your love for your son Derrick and his family. I really wish I could have retired sooner, so that I could have spent time with you when you were in the most need of a constant companion. I will see you again on the other side of this earthly life. I am holding your family in the Light and a place for you in my heart forever. Love you--- Helena Estes-Johnson P.S. I will miss your timely birthday wishes, as my birthday is coming up soon and your card would always arrive on the day.

  • October 11, 2022
    Gary and Becky Savaloja says:
    Derrick and Courtney, Do very sorry for your loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • October 10, 2022
    Leah Hoversten says:
    Ellen was a fun, feisty, fabulous lady with a strong independent spirit. We loved getting to know her and her quirky sense of humor. She was truly an animal lover, and especially loved her cat. She had many friends in her neighborhood and church who remained loyal and loving to the very end. We especially are grateful for the son she raised that is now also our son. We will miss Ellen and her zest for life. Peace and love for you Ellen.

  • October 08, 2022
    Tina Mangum says:
    Sorry for you loss,it was an honor to give her the last two haircuts at York Convalescent.