Agnes Ellsworth

Agnes Ruth (Sanders) Ellsworth, a dedicated educator, lifelong learner, and consistent advocate for science and equal rights, passed away on March 8, 2025, in The Woodlands, Texas, at the remarkable age of 105.

Born on May 18, 1919, in Desdemona, Texas, Agnes grew up in the Depression in a family of 9 supported by her beloved father Joe, a school principal, and her mother Anna (Lake), a schoolteacher. In addition, there were siblings Martin (1911), Louise (1913), Mary Beth (1916), Robert (1917), Joseph (1921), and Martha (1924)-all now deceased. She knew what it was like to pick cotton in the summer in Texas to help make ends meet. She loved sitting with her father listening while the men gathered to talk about politics and the world outside her small town. Little Agnes noticed that her three brothers had a lot more freedom to roam and decided she wanted to be a boy herself; she soon figured out that her father's advice to become a boy by kissing her elbow was not to be taken seriously. (Agnes had a remarkably detailed memory of her childhood and a wealth of entertaining stories that would take a book to tell).

Valedictorian of her high school class, she pursued higher education with determination, earning a bachelor's degree in biology from North Texas State in 1939, followed by a master's degree in 1940. She earned enough credits in 1942 to be able to teach chemistry (she famously met future husband Leon Jr in a chem lab at UT Austin). She similarly went back to school to master earth science decades later. Her love for science and education shaped her career and influenced generations of students.

During World War II, Agnes contributed to the war effort as a research chemist for Staley Chemical in Decatur, Illinois, working on increasing the yield of penicillin to support wartime medical needs. At the same time, her husband, Leon Jr., was working on uranium isotope separation at a secret Manhattan Project facility near Decatur. Her first child, Leon III, was born on the day the bomb was dropped, ending the war and Agnes and Leon Jr's need to be in Decatur.

After the war, there was a hiatus to bear and raise her 3 kids. Then, with her beloved sister Louise Davis providing childcare initially, Agnes was able to dedicate herself to teaching science-biology, chemistry, and earth science-for 3 decades in Texas and New York State (Poughkeepsie and Pleasantville). She was an able and inspiring educator who not only taught but also mentored young scholars. A highlight of her teaching career was accompanying one of her students to finals of the prestigious Westinghouse Science Talent Search.

Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom as she worked to foster professional development among educators. Agnes was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional sorority dedicated to supporting excellence in teaching. She was invited to join the organization and went on to serve as chapter president in both Poughkeepsie and Pleasantville during her over-50-year membership. She was also active in the New York State Teachers Union and served as a District President.

Beyond her professional life, Agnes embraced adventure and exploration. She rafted the Grand Canyon and visited volcanos in Hawaii for earth science courses. She traveled extensively with her husband on his IBM business trips across Europe, Japan, and Australia, visiting over 30 countries and most states. Her scientific curiosity led her to visit the Galápagos Islands, a trip organized by her son David, to explore Darwin's legacy and Iceland to study earth sciences.

She and Leon Jr. also enjoyed square dancing with their local Do-C-Do club and participating in square dance exhibitions and demonstrations local and worldwide, including in Japan and Australia and the New York World's Fair.

Agnes had a deep commitment to civic engagement and democratic values. A long-term participant in the League of Women Voters' voter education efforts, she was acutely aware that she had been born just one year before the passage of the 19th Amendment granting women the right to vote. She remained a determined supporter of equal rights throughout her life.

Physical fitness was another passion for Agnes. A committed YMCA member, she maintained regular workouts followed by coffee with friends, which she continued in one form or another until the end. From retirement at age 62 until her last YMCA race at 90, she ran one or more 5K races most weekends-often alongside her running partner, sister Louise Davis-accumulating ribbons, medals, and trophies that covered an entire wall. She adhered to science-based nutrition and fitness principles throughout her life.

Agnes lived by principles of kindness, reason, and tolerance. When she announced to Daddy Joe at age 13 that her summer project was to read the Bible, he was all in favor, but added "Take it with a grain of salt" - and this questioning spirit stayed with her. She valued open-mindedness and sought compromise to resolve conflicts.

Very outgoing and social, above all else she cherished time spent with family and friends and was loved deeply by those who knew her.

Agnes and Leon Jr. thrived in the post war economy, and they shared this success with their children. They made sure each got a good education. And Agnes invested some of her own savings to help her son William David launch his highly successful manufacturing company Proven Designs.

Agnes is survived by her daughter Ruth Ellsworth Jones and husband Dave Jones, with their daughter Stephanie Zeisloft (husband Chris) with granddaughter Audrey; her eldest son Leon Ellsworth III and wife Miriam (Bratton) Ellsworth and Leon's son Alex (husband Mario) and stepdaughter Laila Minault-Simmons (husband Chris and son Brian); as well as the many extended family members who will miss her dearly. She was predeceased by her second son William David Ellsworth but is survived by his wife Gail (Pettigrew) Ellsworth, their children Bill, Keith (with wife Kristin (Retenski) and children Nathan, Charlotte and Rachel), and Crystal Chenoweth (with husband Kendall and children Annabelle, Blake and Charlton).

A memorial gathering will be held on March 29, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Park The Woodlands Funeral Home, located at 18000 I-45 in The Woodlands, Texas.

Agnes lived a full life defined by intellectual curiosity, dedication to education, love for family and friends, and an unwavering belief in progress and equality. Her legacy will continue through those she inspired along the way.