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Gloria C. Ellis

Surrounded by family and friends, Gloria C. Ellis passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas. She was 93 years old.

Gloria was born Gloria Williams Wyman on May 4, 1933, in Bangor, Maine, to Ralph Ira Williams and Frances Elizabeth McLeod. She shared a lifetime of love and adventure with her beloved husband of sixty years, Marvin Gilbert Ellis, traveling throughout the world during his deployments with the United States Air Force. After Marvin's military retirement, they made their home in South China, Maine.

A devoted wife and mother of three, Gloria also built a remarkable career of her own. During the Vietnam War, she worked as a lead airplane groomer, preparing jetliners that transported military personnel to and from the Far East. Following Marvin's retirement from the Air Force, Gloria broke barriers by becoming the first female front-end manager at Cottle's Shop-n-Save in Augusta, Maine, where her leadership and dedication eventually earned her promotion to assistant manager.

Never one to shy away from serving others, Gloria also served as Selectwoman for the Town of China, Maine. She was known for her commitment to her community, particularly her work on constituent services and property assessment issues.

Retirement marked the beginning of another great adventure. Gloria and Marvin became enthusiastic "snowbirds," traveling from their home in Zephyrhills, Florida, in their 28-foot motorhome to campgrounds throughout the Rocky Mountains, where they served as campground managers and hosts. They embraced the beauty of nature, the joy of travel, and the friendships they made along the way.

In her later years, Gloria was lovingly cared for by her dear friend, Meredith Lawless Black, and Meredith's family—her husband, Ryan Black, and their son, Caden Black, of Whitehouse, Texas. Their compassion, devotion, and unwavering love brought Gloria comfort and companionship throughout her final years.

A woman of deep faith, Gloria was a devoted Catholic and a parishioner of the Chapel of Saints Peter and Paul in Tyler, Texas.

Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Marvin Gilbert Ellis, and her youngest son, Michael John Ellis of Tyler, Texas.

She leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory, including her sister, Beverly Blackwell of Corinth, Maine; her daughter, Therese Newton of Augusta, Maine; her son, Mark Ellis of Hallowell, Maine; her grandchildren, Quincy Ellis of Manhattan, New York; Chelsea Ellis and her husband, Sam Giberson, of Rockland, Maine; and Samuel Ellis and his wife, Samantha LeBlanc, of Portland, Maine. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and grandnieces and grandnephews.

Gloria will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Kidney Fund.

Gloria's life was defined by love, resilience, service, faith, and adventure. Whether supporting Catholic orphanages, serving her community, exploring the country with Marvin, or caring for those she loved, she left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her. Her warmth, sense of humor, positive outlook, and generous spirit will be remembered always and deeply missed.

By Author
Friday, July 31, 2026

 
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