Betty Inez Ellis

Betty Inez Ellis, 77, of LaPlata, Maryland (Ripley), passed to her eternal home on January 19, 2021 at Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., after succumbing to her injuries from an auto accident.  

Betty was born in Ripley, Maryland on November 23, 1943 to the late Jennes C. Nelson, Sr. and Mildred I. Nelson.  She grew up in Ripley on a small farm with 4 brothers whom she adored and looked up to.  She graduated from LaPlata High School in 1961, and enjoyed spending time with former classmates at her class reunions.  She worked at Naval Ordnance Station, Indian Head, Maryland, where she met and married her late husband John I. Miller, Sr. and they had 4 children.  As she loved being a Mother, she took a job driving a school bus for 12 years, as she felt this had the least impact on her family life.  She later went back to work at the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Indian Head, Maryland, where she retired.  In 1987, she met the love of her life, Michael Ellis, at a Lutheran singles retreat.  On October 13, 1990, they married and were inseparable until death parted them.

Betty was a dedicated Christian and faithful servant to the Lord.  She devoted her life to God and serving at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior.  She was very proud that her late grandparents, emigrants from Denmark in the late 1800’s, helped establish the first Lutheran Church in Glymont, Maryland.  She served in many roles at the church: pianist /organist for 66 years (age 11 until death), Choir Director, Praise Team singer, Youth Director, Sunday School teacher, VBS teacher, Council member, and LWML member.  What bought her the most “joy”, was serving as office manager and working closely with Pastor Ogne. 

She loved spending time with her family and friends and was a compassionate, loving friend.  She readily shared her love of the Lord and touched many lives with her faith.  She sought out opportunities to tell of God’s love and help others in need.  She never met a stranger, as she loved everyone as family, and many called her Mom.  She often spoke of her younger years when she performed in horse shows and shared her love of horses and collies with her granddaughter Katie.  She was a very patient person and shared her love of music with many young, eager, soon-to-be musicians, as she taught piano lessons.

Betty is survived by her husband, Michael Ellis, 4 children, 2 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren: Chrissy Killillay (Chris), Mary Williams and granddaughter Katie and great-grandchildren Christian and Cassius, Becky Lee (Bruce), and Johnny Miller and grandson Jarrett.  She was preceded in death by her beloved brothers:  Jennes C. Nelson, Jr. and Louis R. Nelson, Sr.  She is survived by 2 brothers: Harold Nelson Sr. (Caroline) and Francis Nelson of LaPlata, Maryland, her God Mother Essie Weber, who held a special place in her heart, and a multitude of cousins, nieces and nephews that she loved dearly.     

Visitation will be open to the public at the funeral home on Friday, January 29, 2021 from 6:00-8:00 PM.  A family viewing will be held at The Lutheran Church of Our Savior, Bryans Road, Maryland on Saturday January 30, 2021 from 11:00 AM until time of funeral service at 12:00 PM.  Burial at Trinity Memorial Gardens, Waldorf, Maryland.  Due to COVID restrictions and the large size of our family, January 30th will be limited to family only.  The family regrets that we cannot have everyone attend the service, as Betty had so many life, long friends, so we will have another memorial service at a later date.  A YouTube video link of the slideshow and service on January 30, 2021 will be provided upon request.  Email Chrissy Killillay at killillay@wildblue.net.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s honor to the Lutheran Church of Our Savior Memorial Fund, 7365 Indian Head Highway, Bryans Road, Maryland or if you would like to assist with funeral expenses: the Betty Ellis GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/971fe673).

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