Poultney, VT – Betty Ann (Thackeray) Ellis, beloved wife of Ronald C. Ellis, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024, at their home on Stonehenge Lane. Betty was 91.
Born to the late Richard M. and Ethel (Hilton) Thackeray on November 19, 1932, Betty completed her primary and secondary education in Schenectady, NY. She then earned an associate degree in music from Green Mountain College in Poultney, Vermont. An active member of the student body, Betty enjoyed the GMC Cantor Club and performing with local choral groups.
In 1953, Betty married Ronald. Their 70-year union resulted in three wonderful sons and decades of adventure through Ron’s military service and employment. With Ron and family at her side, Betty lived in and visited many places including Taichung, Taiwan, Erie, PA, New Castle Air Force Base in Wilmington, DE, Castle Air Force Base in Merced, CA, Cincinnati, OH, St. Louis, MO, and Hampton, NY. Later, the two travelled extensively including to Paris and Rome, which Betty loved.
Of all the places she’d been, however, none was so dear to her as Vermont. She especially loved being at home overlooking Lake St. Catherine on a snowy day reading a book, writing poetry, or telling stories about her sons: Rick, Steve and Chris. Betty was proud of her boys. She often told tales of their athletic prowess, pranks, and hilarious near disasters. With every story, Betty’s love gleamed from her big, beautiful smile.
Throughout her life, Betty proved a vital member of her community. She was a leader with PTA, Cub Scouts, the Bowling League, and the Young Christian Association. Betty was kind, compassionate and approached life with a sense of humility and grace. Her goodness spans the entirety of her life. Whether assisting an adoption support group to ensure children were placed with loving families or working as a dental hygienist during her Erie, PA days, Betty always gave her best.
Betty Ann was predeceased by her parents, and two sons, Richard C. Ellis of Erie, PA and Christopher S. Ellis of Wells, VT. Survivors include her husband, Ron of Poultney, a son, Steven Jon Ellis of Front Royal, VA and two daughters-in-law, Gianetta (Petrillo) Ellis widow to Christopher, and Sheila (Darr) Ellis wife to Steven. Betty was blessed with two grandchildren, Audrey E. Ellis of Wells, VT, and Jeffrey C. Ellis of NC.
Ron wishes to extend his and Betty’s deep gratitude to Carol Bogart for the years of loving caregiving that enabled Betty to stay in her home.
Friends may call from 4:00 – 6:00 PM on Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Robert M. King Funeral Home, 23 Church Street, Granville, NY. A funeral service will follow at 6:00 PM with Reverend Jerry McKinney presiding. Interment of Ashes and Celebration of Life will be at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery to be announced at a later date.
Donations may be made in Betty Ann’s memory to the Wells Village Library, PO Box 587, Wells, VT 05774.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.robertmkingfuneralhone.com
