Ellen Higgs Garrison, 87, of Old Forge Hollow Road, Bantam, died at home March 22, 2016.

Born at home in Brookville, Indiana, on September 30, 1928, she was the daughter of Elmer and Lucy Higgs. The telephone was out that stormy night, and her father had to drive to town to get the doctor. Ellen had a wonderful childhood on the family farm. She attended Plum Grove, a one-room schoolhouse, and graduated from high school in Brookville.

Ellen graduated from Ball State Teachers College in Muncie, Indiana, and then taught for a few years in Kokomo, Indiana, area schools. At Ball State, she met Bill Garrison, whom she married in June 1950. While raising their six children, Ellen supported Bill’s career in outdoor education and often worked as camp cook - with much skill and tolerance. After retiring to New York’s Finger Lakes region, they moved in 2008 to live with their daughter Jane Golding and her son-in-law Gary Golding in Bantam.

Ellen’s family was her life and her joy. She unconditionally loved her children, grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, and her many in-laws. In addition to Jane and Gary, Ellen is survived by Martha Garrison and Paul Monska of Prescott, Arizona; Matt Garrison and Cathy Anderjack of Bath, New York; Kent Garrison and Francesca Crannell of Ithaca, New York; Will Garrison and Cindy Dickinson of Pittsfield, Massachusetts; and Martin Garrison and Beth Bedard of Springfield, Virginia. Ellen also is survived by 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by Bill Garrison, her husband of 63 years, as well as her sister Alice and brother Edmund.

Calling hours are 5 to 8 pm Friday March 25 at the Goldings’ home, 106 Old Forge Hollow Road, Bantam. Service will be held 10 am Saturday at Litchfield United Methodist Church at 69 West Street, with a reception at the Goldings’ home to follow. Burial will be private.

The family wishes to thank Barbara Silliman for her kindness and friendship. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ellen’s name to the Oliver Wolcott Library, PO Box 187, Litchfield CT 06759.

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