On Sunday, January 21, 2024, Ellen Mildred (Durgan) Barnhart made a final journey into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Ellen was born on Sunday, September 20, 1936. She was raised the tenth of eleven children, in Plattsburgh, NY by hard working parents Willis and Edith (Delorne) Durgan. Ellen often spoke of her parents being strict and raising their children up right. She said life was hard and it made us strong.
Ellen met her husband Norbert ‘Tiny’ Barnhart while he was stationed at Plattsburgh Airforce base. They were married November 26, 1961, and lived in the Cambridge NY area for 30 years. Norbert died on 9/7/1992. They were never blessed with children of their own.
Mr. and Mrs. Barnhart lived in Cambridge NY area where Tiny worked. Ellen was a skillful homemaker, meticulous in everything she did from cleaning to cooking to keeping herself up with matching her clothes and jewelry to doing her own hair and nails. Back home she had babysat her many nieces and nephews, so she was quick to take on babysitting jobs for neighbors and friends while Tiny was at work. She became known for wearing off the wheels on several strollers!
Ellen is known and recognized by many residents of Cambridge. She walked around town to shop, dine, and socialize. She enjoyed the excellent food and shared stories with neighbors, but most especially she loved the HUGS. Ellen never tired of shopping and going out for a burger. She got out over the years as often as her friends and comrades would take her out and away!
Ellen always gave from her heart and was blessed by the joy she was able to share. She will be missed by so many who have been touched by her humor, her love, and her generosity.
Ellen’s younger sister, Sue Hanson, visited from Jacksonville FL a couple of years ago, a beautiful reunion for the sisters.
Ellen is predeceased by her brothers Charles, Merton, Leonard, Steven and Guy, and her sisters Nellie Adams, Marion Durgan, Helen Bailey, and Mildred Bassett.
Ellen was blessed to have numerous care givers to support her throughout the years following her husband’s passing. She attended day program at Holbrook Adult Home in Granville, NY for over 20 years. She lived at The Mansion Assisted Living in Cambridge, NY for several years before moving in November to The Danforth Adult Home in Hoosick Falls, NY. She made many friends with the residents and the wonderfully caring and devoted staff at each of these facilities. The dedicated team at Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad also shared in her journey. Ellen loved and appreciated the great care and attention she received from all these teams.
Please make contributions to Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad in memory of Ellen Barnhart, at 37 Gilbert Street Cambridge NY.
There are no calling hours. A private service for Ellen will be planned later in the year.
