Debbie Sue Ellingsworth, a longtime Milford resident known for her dedication to family and community, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Bayhealth Sussex Campus. She was 67.
Ellingsworth died surrounded by her husband, two sons, and family members, according to her family.
Born December 27, 1958, in Hutchinson, Kansas, she was the daughter of Ernie J. Howard and Melva L. Howard. After relocating to Delaware, she attended schools in the Milford School District and graduated from Milford High School in 1977.
Ellingsworth spent much of her career at ILC Dover in Frederica, where she worked for 37 years. Outside of her full-time job, she was also a familiar face in local Milford shops, where she spent weekends selling country décor, baskets, candles, and collectibles.
She had a passion for collecting Longaberger baskets and frequently traveled to Dresden, Ohio, the brand’s home, to expand her collection. She also enjoyed decorating her home with Beanie Babies and country-themed items.
On October 4, 1980, she married her high school sweetheart, Gary W. Ellingsworth. Together, they raised two sons, Matthew and Jeremy, and built a life centered on family. She enjoyed supporting her sons at Little League baseball games and go-kart races, creating lasting memories along the way.
In later years, Ellingsworth embraced her role as a grandmother. She welcomed her grandson Beau in 2017 and granddaughter Hailey in 2022. Known affectionately as “Mom-Mom,” she cherished time spent with her grandchildren and was known for always having snacks ready and creating a warm, welcoming environment.
Family members remember Ellingsworth as someone who found joy in simple moments and prioritized time with loved ones above all else.
She was preceded in death by her father, Ernie J. Howard, and her mother-in-law, Dawn E. Ellingsworth.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gary Ellingsworth; her sons, Matthew Ellingsworth and Nikki Spence, and Jeremy Ellingsworth and his wife Katelyn; her grandchildren, Beau and Hailey; her mother, Melva Howard; her siblings, Bev and Kevin; her father-in-law, Doug Ellingsworth; and her brother-in-law, Steve Ellingsworth.
A visitation will be held from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. at Berry-Short Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Milford Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ellingsworth’s memory to Calvary Church in Milford or the Bayhealth Foundation.
