Martha Lou (Grove) Age - 78 - Los Alamos Ellis

ELLIS – Martha Lou (Grove) Ellis, age 78, a long-time resident of Los Alamos, NM, passed away peacefully, from Alzheimer’s related complications, on January 26, 2012 into eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. At her passing, she was surrounded by family. \r\nMartha Lou was born March 26, 1933 in Conway, Arkansas, to Ivan Grove, a prominent college football coach and professor, and Zepha Grove, a middle school English teacher. She graduated from Conway High School in 1950 and attended Hendrix College, where her father coached. Martha Lou graduated with high honors and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1954. Subsequently, she attended graduate school at the University of Chicago where she was awarded a Master’s Degree in Education. It was at the University of Chicago where she met her husband and life-long best friend Walton Paul Ellis. The two were married on November 4, 1956 and moved to Los Alamos, NM, in July 1957 to begin a life together. \r\nMartha Lou began her teaching career in Conway where she taught first grade for one year. She continued to teach elementary school in Los Alamos for three years. Her passion for teaching and love of children blossomed at Little Forest Pre School, where she taught for over 20 years and was director for two years. After she retired, she was a Pink Lady volunteer at the Los Alamos Medical Center.\r\nMartha Lou was a devoted and life-long member of the United Methodist Church. She volunteered in many different ways, taught Sunday school, and was a Communion Volunteer. Martha Lou had many interests that included Girl Scout leader, playing Bridge with friends, and traveling the world with her husband. \r\nMartha Lou had soft hands, a compassionate heart, a wonderful sense of humor and an appreciation for simple pleasures like fragrant flowers or the beautiful colors of a bird. Her life philosophy was “Let go and Let God!” She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend who accepted everyone for who they were. Martha Lou loved her family and took pride in each of her two daughters and two granddaughters and shared a special loving relationship and bond with her husband, Walt. \r\nMartha Lou was preceded in death by Coach Ivan Grove (father) and Zepha Grove (mother). She is survived by her husband, Walton Ellis; children: Eleanor (Elly) Ellis Olivas and Carolyn Ellis Winkelman and her husband Robert; and granddaughters: RosaliaTherese Olivas and Grace Ann Winkelman. \r\nVisitation will be held on Sunday, January 29, 2012 from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at DeVargas Funeral Home, 623 North Railroad Avenue Española, New Mexico 87532.\r\nA Memorial Service will be held on Monday, January 30, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Los Alamos, 715 Diamond Drive.\r\nIn lieu of flowers donations may be given in Martha Lou’s honor to Hendrix College, 1600 Washington Avenue, Conway, Arkansas 72032. The family of Martha Lou Ellis has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Española Valley. 505-747-7477

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