Ellen Gregory

Ellen Gregory, foodie, fashionista, photographer extraordinaire, animal whisperer, passed away suddenly on Thursday, May 1, 2014. Lovable, reliable, relatable, Ellen was a woman who preferred margaritas and appetizers on her porch, admiring the hundreds of darting birds and their antics, rather than spending hours in the kitchen. A mentor to many, an inspiration and joy to all. Ellen was a passionate Arkansan transplant from Los Angeles 21 years ago. She was born Oct. 4, 1942, in the Bronx, N.Y. She was predeceased by her father, Morris Altes; and mother, Sylvia Altes. It was the best decision of Ellen's life to move to NW Arkansas. The warmth of the Farmington/Fayetteville community immeasurably enriched Ellen's life. She gathered a circle of friends and family who shared her passion for art, music, aesthetics, rescues and animals. Ellen created an oasis in her "holler," the piece of heaven that Ellen would never leave, and most importantly, passionately shared the peaceful tranquility of her refuge with her loved ones. Interspersed with working as a financial analyst, Ellen's zest for helping others immersed her in Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), Walton Art Center (WAC), Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP), Photographic Society of NW Arkansas, Guide Dogs for the Blind and the madly-entertaining Mardi Gras Krew. Ellen's children were her golden retrievers, greyhounds, mutts and beloved cats, which brought her a lifetime of unending unconditional love and amusement. Ellen touched the lives of everyone she encountered. She brought her zaniness and laughter to every relationship. Her never-ending smile is her lasting legacy. Ellen is survived by her loving sister, Donna of Napa, Calif.; and her two amazing friends, Bruce Indermill of Southern California and Sarea Clark of Prairie Grove, Ark. The loss of our Ellen Gregory is immeasurable. She was too young, too full of life, too ready to have another margarita, and trip to anywhere the road would lead… too ready to document the experiences with one more Ellen photo! Rest in peace, sweet princess; we will ALL miss you… Online guestbook, www.luginbuel.com.