Ellen Stillman passed away peacefully on April 22, 2023. She was born in Carmichael, CA, on November 22, 1935, to William and Effie (Cummings) Yeaw. Ellen attended San Juan High School and San Jose State College. She graduated as valedictorian with a major in physical education and a minor in French and was a standout field hockey player for the college. In 1957 she married Willard (Bill) Stillman. They were married for 60 years until Bill's passing in 2017. They moved to Sonoma County in 1959, where they raised four children. In 1972, Ellen began teaching at Analy High School, where she built a popular French language program. She retired in 1995 and continued as a substitute teacher long into retirement.
Community involvement was a cornerstone in Ellen's life. She guided the Sebastopol Community Church apple pie sale for over 40 years to raise money for church camp scholarships, taught English as a second language, served two terms on the Sonoma County Grand Jury, served as a board member for the Sebastopol library, worked at a food bank, and prepared bag lunches for the unhoused.
Ellen's interests were broad and brought her joy. She was a master gardener, sewed for her children and grandchildren, and enjoyed attending the Santa Rosa Symphony. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm for life garnered a wide circle of friends with whom she shared books, hiked, traveled, and played tennis.
Ellen delighted in her children and grandchildren, and hosted many holidays and family reunions. She will be remembered for holding her large family together with a spirit of welcome, fun, and unconditional love.
Ellen was preceded in death by her brothers, Galen Yeaw and Edward (Carolyn) Yeaw. She is survived by her four children, Carl (Stacey) Stillman, Chantal (Rolf) Frankenbach, Cordel (Ann) Stillman, Tanya (Jimmy) Stillman, and six grandchildren: Julia Frankenbach, Kyra Stillman, Rowan Frankenbach, Rachel Lynde, Sofia Frankenbach, and Robert (Chelan) Lynde.
At Ellen's request, there will be no memorial service. Donations in Ellen's memory can be made to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center in Carmichael, California, or Doctors Without Borders.