Ethel Ellis Dennis, retired nurse
Ethel B. Ellis Dennis, 86, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011, at the Country Rest Home, Greenwood, surrounded by her family. She was born March 12, 1925, daughter of the late E. Harry Butler and Julia (Ennis) Butler.
Mrs. Dennis graduated from Seaford High School, Seaford, in 1943 and from Beebe School of Nursing, Lewes, in 1946. She spent her entire career caring for so many patients and their families at Beebe Hospital, later known as Beebe Medical Center. In 1996 when she retired, yes, 50 years of dedicated service, she had spent many years as a nursing manager of the mental health department, better known as “3rd North Head Nurse.” Mrs. Dennis played a monumental role in guiding and supporting numerous patients to a new life recovering from or free of mental illness, alcoholism and drug addiction. During her 15 years of retirement, Mrs. Dennis enjoyed spending time with her husband Richard, attending services at Conley’s Chapel United Methodist Church, traveling, reading, gardening, bird watching, antiquing, and most of all, “Small Town Lewes Life.” Mrs. Dennis will be remembered for her unselfish dedication, friendship, and quick wit sense of humor; she will be missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Dennis was preceded in death by her husband, Charles C. Ellis (1980); brother, The Rev. Dallas "Tex" W. Butler; and grandson, Eric Holloway. She is survived by her husband of 12 years, Richard L. Dennis of Avon Park, Fla.; two daughters: Hope Holloway and her husband Jay of Bridgeville, and Julia B. Ellis-Hall of Lewes; granddaughter Sophia Hall of Lewes; three stepdaughters: Bonnie Lingo of Lewes, Terry Issacs and her husband Hobbie of Milton, and Cindy Black and her husband Lonnie of Avon Park; stepson, R. Rush Ellis of Lewes; three brothers: Dr. Edward E. Butler and his wife Mildred of Davis, Calif., Edward Butler and his wife Shirley of Seaford, and Charles Butler and his wife Shirley of Seaford; three grandchildren: Sophia Hall, Kevin Holloway and Morgan Ellis; special niece, Nancy B. Lantz and her husband David of Maryville, Tenn.; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
A celebration of Mrs. Dennis’ life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 29, at Conley's Chapel (The Old Church), 22150 Robinsonville Road, Lewes, where friends may visit starting at 10 a.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to the Beebe School of Nursing, C/O Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.
