Obituary of Elizabeth Ellis

GLASTONBURY---Elizabeth Ann Ellis, 58, of Glastonbury, CT, died on Wednesday, December 7, 2011. Our beloved Beth leaves her loving spouse and soul mate, Kathleen Humpage, and her devoted family and friends. Beth was successfully treated and extended her life for five years from her original cancer diagnosis. Born on Sept. 10, 1953, Beth was a warm and fun-loving person who touched the lives of many people over the years. Beth loved the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, and was blessed with a keen ability to observe beautiful landscapes and scenes and then express what she saw by taking brush to canvas. The subjects of her paintings were inspired from her love of the outdoors: hiking trips, peaceful strolls through the countryside or walking the Marginal Way in her beloved Ogunquit, Maine. Those walks resulted in her beautifully expressive paintings. Beth observed people, wildlife and the environment around her and when she painted, she allowed other people to see God's beautiful creation through her eyes. Her talent for painting was evident at an early age, and she pursued her dream by attending Paier College of Art in Hamden, CT. After graduation, Beth worked as an assistant illustrator for Mercer Mayer, the author of many popular children's books. She later explored the technical side of art by opening a graphic arts studio in New Haven, but found her greatest passion was in painting outdoor scenes as a plein-air artist (open air). She was most inspired by the works of N.C. Wyeth and Andrew Wyeth, and by the seascapes of Winslow Homer. Beth found great satisfaction in teaching, at her galleries in Maine and in Connecticut, and in conducting numerous workshops to help aspiring artists grow to their full potential. Her outstanding talent was recognized and highlighted by American Artist magazine in May of 2006. More than anything else, Beth loved her family and close friends, especially the times spent together at the shore in Wells Beach, Maine. Besides her spouse, Beth is survived by her brother John Ellis, Jr. and his wife Susan of Southbury, CT; sister Sharon Ellis Naveken of Charlotte, NC; sister Marianne Sizemore and her husband, Ben, of Naugatuck, CT; brother Vernon Ellis of Kent, OH; brother Robert Ellis of No. Canton, OH; sister Suzanne Ellis Karnuth of No. Canton, OH; stepmother Barbara Ellis of Mogadore, OH, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father John E. Ellis, Sr., mother Grace H. Ellis, and grandparents Marion Ellis, Bernard and Mary Honekamp. A memorial service to celebrate Beth's life will take place on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at the Congregational Church in South Glastonbury, corner of Main and High Streets, at 2:00PM. Arrangements are being made by the Mulryan Funeral Home in Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, it is requested that memorial contributions be made to the Beth Ellis Gallery Fund (P.O. Box 178, So. Glastonbury, CT 06073) to continue Beth's stated intentions and wishes, including the continuance of teaching workshops and the promotion of the work of area artists.