Mrs. Ringling was the granddaughter of Ella Rownd who passed away on February 15, 1945. She was preceded in death by her husband, C.A. Rownd, who died in 1928. She had one son, Fred, who died in 1939 and one daughter, Mrs. Bert Virden who died in 1928.

Mrs. Rownd's will provided that the Endowment be established in memory of her husband, her son and herself. Sena Rownd, who donated the land for the Cedar Falls Lutheran Home, was Ella Rownd's daughter-in-law and was married to Fred Rownd.

Since 1967, the Ella C. Rownd Trust has been a source of support and encouragement for many community projects.

In 1999 the administration of the Ella C. Rownd Trust was placed in the hands of the Cedar Falls Civic Foundation which will, in future years, make the decisions regarding the distribution of funds for the Trust.

Individuals interested in making a contribution to the Rownd Trust or creating their own Trust are encouraged to contact the Cedar Falls Civic Foundation.