Ellen Marie Kates of Vernon, CT, passed away peacefully Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at her sister’s home in Marion, OH. She was born August 26, 1948 in Marion, OH to the late M. Elton Kates and Delma (Geckle) Kates.
After graduating from Marion Harding High School and Capital University, she taught in Marion City Schools.
In 1973, Ellen began a lifelong career with the Travelers Insurance Company where she held the positions of Manager and Director of the International Division of Products Liability. She received her master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and she also taught business courses there.
A woman of faith, Ellen was an active member of the First Lutheran Church, Ellington, CT. She sang in the choir and held many leadership positions. Ellen was baptized and confirmed at St. John’s (Windfall) Lutheran Church and also attended Emanuel Lutheran Church where she sang in choir and served on various committees.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents. She will be dearly missed by her surviving sisters: Myrna Mamaril of Ellicott City, MD, Betty (Jim) Anderson of Marion, OH, her brother, Al (Mary Kay Stoner) Kates of Stone Mountain, GA, and numerous nephews and nieces.
Friends may call Friday, March 1, 2013 at the Boyd-Born Funeral Home 4-7pm. A worship service celebrating Ellen’s life will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in the Emanuel Lutheran Church, 241 S. Prospect Street. Pastor Mark Schuring will officiate. Burial will follow at Windfall Cemetery in Cardington, OH.
In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made to Emanuel Lutheran Church, St. John’s Lutheran Church, or domestic disaster relief. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.boydbornfuneralhome.com.
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