Judith Ann Marie (Gritman) Ellis

Judy was born on August 28, 1939 at 8am at Hammond Henry Hospital in Geneseo, Illinois. She was the only daughter of Orval “Dutch” Joseph Gritman of Geneseo, Illinois and Irene Jospehine (Bercroft) Gritman of Atkinson, Illinois. She was a devout Catholic and attended the original Saint Malachy School in Geneseo through the 8th grade. She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1957 where she formed life-long friendships.

She was a member of the National Honor Society. She also enjoyed singing in many choral groups and was a proud Girl Scout of which her mother was the troop leader. She loved growing up in Geneseo and it was there that her heart always belonged and to where her fondest memories were made. She was employed at Dairy Delight and the Geneseo Book Store in high school and loved books and ice cream to her dying day! She was close to her cousin Rosemary Hoogerwerf and loved attending western movies at the local theater with her best pal Mike. She wished to convey this note to her closest girlfriends at GHS- long live the TMH!

Judy attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota where she received an Associate Degree in Travel and Tourism. She worked for Delta Airlines in Chicago and lived in Waukegan, Illinois and later worked for American Airlines.

She met and married Robert Edward Ellis, a career Navy man from Marion, Massachusetts. They were the parents of 5 children. He was a sailor who came up through the Ranks to attain the rank of Captain. Married 62 years, the Navy took them all over the world to live and raise their children. Special memories included Newport, RI, Charleston, SC, Pearl Harbor, HI, Groton, CT, Coronado, CA and Virginia Beach, VA. They maintained friendships with all of their military friends for many years. Judy and Bob retired in Stonington, CT where they were members of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Mystic.

Judy had many jobs which she loved in her lifetime. She worked at Wild Birds Unlimited in Virginia Beach and at Ledyard High School, CT, in the Guidance Department. She was the Wedding Coordinator for the Base chapel in Groton, CT. She was the organist at the Ford Island Chapel in Hawaii and was a Dental Assistant for the Red Cross at Pearl Harbor. She was a faithful volunteer at the Mystic Seaport both in the membership building and at various holiday events with her husband.

Judy was also a docent at the Palmer House in Stonington. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella at St. Patrick’s Church in Mystic and dearly loved her fellow Daughters and close friends at St. Patrick’s and the ministry work they did for the community.

Judy was grateful to Janet and Brian from St. Patrick’s in Mystic and to Lizette from St. Charles for faithfully bringing communion and comfort during difficult times.

Most of all, Judy loved singing in many choral groups over the years including the Navy Choristers in Newport, Oceana Chapel Choir in Virginia Beach, the Old Hat Singers in Mystic, CT, the 200 Voice Chorus of Westerly, RI, Saint Patrick’s Church Choir in Mystic, CT and most recently the Coronado Community Chorus in Coronado, CA. Judy was also an avid bridge payer and voracious reader and belonged to many book clubs and bridge groups wherein she made lifelong friends.

She is survived by her children Ms. Janet Ellis of Chandler, AZ, Daughter-in-law Mrs. Monika Ellis (Michael (d)) of Blair, NE, Mrs. Jacquelyn Taft (Butch) of Valencia, CA, Mrs. Robbie Keenan (John) of San Diego, CA, and Mr. Christopher Ellis (Zekie) of Varna, Bulgaria. Sisters- in- laws Claudia Ellis Falkenberg (Kirby) of Sarasota, FL, Ann Alberson Gritman (James (d)) of Green Valley, AZ and Brother- in- law David Bernard Ellis of Marion, MA. Grandchildren Jonathan, Emma, Loraine, Brandon, Abby, Bradley, Robert, Joseph, Jennifer, Katherine, Judy and Dagmar. Great Grandchildren Olivia, Natalie, Isaac, Ellie, Tessa, Addison, Charlotte, Rayleigh, Ashley and Max. Nieces/Nephews- Julie, Jamye, Jennifer, Kirsten, Claudia, Jessica, Nathan, David(d).

The family wishes to thank the following “Earth Angels” for all of their loving care to our dear mother: Mrs. Lourdes Orozco, Mrs. Janet Hicks, Mrs. Lizette Muffley, Mrs. Mitch Agustin, Mrs. Venissa Valenzuela, Mrs. Virginia Santellanes, Ms. Brianna Keller, Ms. Emma England, Mr. Darren Sumbillo, Mrs. Lois Montano, Mr. Nicholas Dasis, Mrs. Jindy Cuison, and Dr. Troy Niguidula.

There is a Gritman Family maple tree with a bronze marker planted at the park of the old Geneseo High School grounds in Geneseo, Illinois. It is located between the Doc Parson statue and the Girl Scout rotunda and it reads “In Memory of the Gritman Family -Dutch, Irene, Jim and Judy- Go Maple Leafs!” There are also memorial bricks of family and dear friends placed at the tribute wall located in same park.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

A visitation will be held on January 3, 2026 from 11:00 am to 11:30am at St. Charles Catholic Church, located at 990 Saturn Blvd, San Diego, CA 92154. A Rosary will be officiated at 11:30 AM.

The Requiem Funeral Mass will take place at the same location on January 3, 2026, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

Burial and Graveside Service will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Stonington, CT (TBD date/time January, 2026) with arrangements by Mystic Funeral Home, Mystic, CT.

Donations may be made to the Daughters of Isabella at St. Patrick Church, Mystic, CT, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, CT, and St. Malachy’s Church and School in Geneseo, Ill.