On April 10, 2022, Eleanor (Ellie) Beston Owens was joined by family and friends from across the country to celebrate her amazing 100-year life. From the many birthday wishes and tributes she received, it was clear that Ellie made a positive impact on many lives and was loved by all who knew her.
On December 15,2022, Ellie passed away at her home in Keller, Texas.
Ellie Beston was born on April 10, 1922 in Brooklyn, New York to George and Agnes Beston. Ellie and her six sisters and brothers (Grace, Marie, George, Jeanne, Ruth, and Frank) grew up in Port Washington, New York. Ellie enjoyed a wonderful childhood despite the troubles presented by the Great Depression.
Ellie Graduated from Port Washington High School in 1940. She was a member of the national honor society and was described in her yearbook as the perfect friend, loyal, encouraging, quick witted, and successfully involved in numerous clubs and activities.
While commuting by train to St Joseph’s College for Women in Brooklyn, New York, Ellie met a young Fordham University student, J. Frederick (Bud) Owens and a romance began. World War II interrupted their romance for several years as Bud served in the Navy. During the war Ellie began her career as a mathematician for the Equitable Life Insurance Company.
After reuniting, Ellie and Bud Owens were married on May 8, 1948. In 1955 they welcomed their first child, Chris, into the world. Soon after they moved to Carmichael, California, where Ellie made many life long friends. Ellie and Bud welcomed their second child, Laura, in 1959. In California, Ellie focused on being a mother, a homemaker, and was always active in church and community volunteer work.
In 1971, Ellie and her family moved to Trumbull, Connecticut. Ellie reentered the business world soon after as a mathematics instructor for the Aetna Life and Casualty Company.
Ellie and Fred retired in 1982 and moved to Sun City Center, Florida. Their early retirement years were filled with wonderful trips to many states and countries. Later though Ellies attention turned to providing loving care for her beloved Bud as he battled Parkinson’s disease until his death in 1996. Ellie and Bud enjoyed a beautiful 48 years of marriage.
In 1999, after reuniting with her high school sweetheart at her 60th high school reunion, Ellie married Bryon S. Cramblet, a retired American Airlines pilot and moved to Vista, California until his death in 2009.
Later that year, “Miss Ellie”, moved to her final home an apartment at the Conservatory in Keller, Texas. Ellie made many new friends and quickly earned the nickname “Miss count me in” for her eagerness to be involved in every excursion and activity she could. Ellie enjoyed her life at The Conservatory until her death in 2022.
Ellie is survived by her son Christopher D. Owens and his wife Carol of Southlake, Texas, her daughter Lieghandra (Laura) E. Owens Young of Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, a sister Ruth Maksym, Bryons children Carolyn Lane, Sandy Cox and her husband David, Peter Cramblet, Jill Keppery, and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great, great grandchildren, and nieces and nephews who were all very special and dear to Ellie.
Ellie will be remembered for her positive attitude, youthful spirit, quick wit, sense of humor, incredible memory, entertaining storytelling, joy of life, love of music, impeccable fashion sense, and her trust in God. She was a loyal friend to many over her life and always cared for her family.
Ellie was inspired and loved by all who knew her and will be deeply missed.
Special thanks to Ellies caregivers Maria, Audra, Maria Amparo, Amy, and Caroline, the team at Heart to Heart Hospice and the many staff members at The Conservatory who assisted and lovingly cared for Ellie during the final stages of her amazing life.
A Funeral Mass will be held at the Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Keller, Texas at 10:30am on Thursday, January 5, 2023. Later in the Spring, a Memorial Mass will be held in Bohemia, New York, followed by a burial in The Historic Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York.
Ellie requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, 450 E John Carpenter Freeway, Irving, Texas, 75062, be made in her honor.