Ralph V. “Whitey” Ellis passed away on July 4, 2017 in the comfort of his home in Melbourne Beach, Florida, at the age of 86.
Ralph was truly “born and raised on a farm in Vermont”. He spent the first years of life on his parents’ 150 acre dairy farm in Tinmouth with 40 milking cows and a barn that is now included in the town’s historic tours. The family then moved to Richford then later to Poultney where Ralph attended and graduated from Poultney High School, an institution which he credited with soundly influencing his life. With a shock of white blonde hair, Ralph earned the nickname “Whitey” which carried him through his school years, and it is still the preference of his old friends and classmates. Ralph was a quick learner, always keen for more, and at the top of his class. It was at Poultney High that his strong leadership qualities began to emerge as he served as Vice-President of Student Council, quarterback of the football team, captain of the baseball team, and President of his senior class. In addition, anyone who knows Ralph will not be surprised to hear that he was voted “Best Dressed” and “Most Likely to Succeed” male in Poultney’s close-knit graduating class of 1948.
Remaining in Poultney after graduation, Ralph began serving the larger community by becoming a Junior Warden in the Episcopal Church, Chairman of the East Poultney Historical Society, President of the Poultney Volunteer Fire Department, and Vice-President of the local Chamber of Commerce.
Eventually Ralph was pulled away from his home state when he entered the insurance profession in 1954, first with Prudential, then as a claims adjuster with National Grange Mutual Insurance Company in Utica, New York. A subsequent position as a Territory Marketing Manager introduced him to the Mid-Hudson Valley where he established his own Independent Insurance Agency in the City of Poughkeepsie in 1964. Ralph’s strong work ethic ensured that this enterprise would evolve over the next several years to an assemblage of six offices with thirty-six employees in various Mid-Hudson Valley communities. In the early 1990’s, Ralph transferred ownership of five offices to agency managers and partners maintaining the flagship Ralph V, Ellis, Inc. agency located in the Town of Poughkeepsie.
In addition to his primary activities as a respected insurance agent, Ralph was an Insurance Instructor at SUNY colleges, published multiple insurance articles with Commerce Clearing House, served on Insurance Company National Advisory Boards, performed as a consultant and expert witness on matters of insurance, been an active member of the state and national independent insurance professional associations, and led compatriots as President of the Independent Agents Association of Dutchess County.
Ralph’s involvement and accomplishments extended beyond the insurance profession, as he was a Founding Director of Riverside Bank in Poughkeepsie. He served on its Executive Committee, was Chairman of the Compensation/Human Resources Committee, Chairman of the Loan Committee, and Chairman of the bank’s Board of Directors.
Ralph’s active professional responsibilities did not divert him from civic and non-profit duties. He served as Vice-President of The Millbrook PTA, Junior Warden of the Grace Episcopal Church in Millbrook, President of the Central Exchange Club of Poughkeepsie, President of Rehabilitation Programs, Inc., President of the Dutchess County YMCA, Board Member of the United Way of Tri-State, President of the Amrita Club, Treasurer of the Springside Condominium Association, sponsor of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, General Campaign Chairman of the Dutchess County United Way as well as Chairman and Chief Volunteer Officer. His citizenship responsibilities never abated as he held positions as Treasurer of the Klyne-Esopus Historical Museum, Chairman of the Dutchess County YMCA Trustees, and as Board Member of the Esopus Meadows Lighthouse organization.
Ralph always indicated in a strong manner that the Mid-Hudson Valley had been exceedingly good to him, and it was his great honor to participate in and contribute to its growth and richness.
Ralph will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by many: colleagues and friends, associates and adversaries, students and staff, but none will feel his loss more than his family, in particular his wife, Patricia Carr Ellis, whom he married in Poughkeepsie, New York on May 1, 1993. Ralph and Patti enjoyed life in their homes on the Hudson River in Port Ewen, New York and in Melbourne Beach, Florida. Ever active, they enjoyed snow skiing, water sports, and tooling around in Ralph’s sports cars.
Those who will miss Ralph’s wise and supportive guidance most include his three children and their spouses: Ralph Eric Ellis and wife Michele of Palm Harbor, Florida; Jayne Marie Creelman and husband Brice of Dallas Texas; and Dean Mattimore Ellis and wife Patricia of The Woodlands, Texas. Grandchildren include Joshua Thomas Ellis, Sarah Marie Ellis, Lindsay Kristen Ellis, Connor Dean Ellis, and Olivia Grace Ellis, as well as great-grandchildren Gregory Colton Butts and Nora Jane Butts.
His father, John Arthur Ellis, and mother, Mollie Mattimore Ellis, precede Ralph in death.
Ralph is also survived by former wives Joyce Hughes Russell of Plano, Texas, and Joy R. Ellis of Calabash, North Carolina.
In accordance with his wishes and a desire to travel light, Ralph’s cremated remains will be scattered among the Vermont birch trees where he spent his most carefree childhood days. Plans for a formal memorial service are pending.
By way of honoring Ralph and perpetuating the spirit of “giving back” which he modeled throughout his life, contributions may be made to the Ralph V. and Patti M. Ellis Donor Advised Fund, c/o Community Foundation of the Hudson Valley, 80 Washington St., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (cfhvny.org).
