Ellen Amato

ELLEN ANN AMATO (nee Boehnlein), age 66. Passed away on March 20, 2025 following a short illness at Kendall Hospital in Miami, Florida with her loving family at her side. Ellen was born November 5, 1958 to James and Madonna (nee Brunner) Boehnlein in Arlington, Texas. After a life richly lived in kindness, Ellen’s legacy will be her family. Born to a large family the eldest of four and going on to have four children herself, a typical Sunday dinner was a large family event. Having moved around the country for most of her life she was happiest when an occasion called all her loved ones to her adopted home of Key West, Florida or her family homes of Wisconsin and Ohio.

Ellen if found in a photo at a family party in a now iconic move is bound to be talking or laughing. She could never be bothered to look at the camera, there was just too much to say and too many laughs to be had. She will be remembered for her warm generous heart as well as her perpetually warm oven, everyone was welcome, all were family. She is loved; she will be missed.

Ellen was predeceased by her mother Madonna and leaves behind her beloved daughters; Andrea Amato, Addrienne Amato, Ashley Amato and Abigail Amato (Jason Barnicle), her husband Craig Amato, her cherished grandchildren; Jason, Shelby, Skylar, Ezzilin as well as her father Jim, sister Sara Boehnlein and brothers Brett and Marc Boehnlein. Also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins and many dear friends.

In celebration of her life a memorial will be held for family and friends at Historic Key West Cemetery on Sunday August 31, 2025 at 10 AM. For those moved to honor Ellen’s legacy of charitable giving, contributions can be made to the following; Florida Keys SPCA-Center for Animal Welfare and Education at https://fkspca.org/donate or Wesley House-Children and Family Services at https://www.wesleyhouse.org/donate. Arrangements entrusted to the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS, OHIO (440-260-8800).