Ellen Mary (Moffatt) Caruthers

Ellen Mary (Moffatt) Caruthers, age 96, passed away peacefully in her home, in San Angelo, TX on March 8th, 2020. She was surrounded by her two granddaughters, Stephanie Oswald and Katelyn Gardner, and her dear friend, Linda Taylor. She was proceeded in death by her only son, Stephen Caruthers, and her husband, Harley Caruthers.

Ellen was born in Austin, TX on April 30th, 1923 to parents, Mary Estelle (Burlingame) Moffatt and David Moffatt; the third of their four children: Judith, Joseph, Ellen, and Geraldine.

Ellen grew up in a home built by her Grandpa, Joseph Sauter, in 1908. She had many happy childhood memories with her brother, sisters, and their family dog, Snooks. Ellen spoke fondly of her childhood, and felt fortunate not to feel the effects of the Great Depression during those years. She shared many stories about the lifelong friendships she developed at Sunday school, Bakers Elementary, Amnesty Jr. High School, and Austin High School. After Ellen graduated from high school in 1940, she decided to delay pursuing a college education for one year to get her “feet wet in the business world.” During this time, her father and his partner sold their department store, Luedecke-Moffatt Co. Her father established a real estate business after the sale of the department store, and she helped manage his office. A year later, she started college at the University of Texas and received a Bachelor’s degree in chemistry. Ellen was a member of the 357th sub-depot Texas Wing of Women Fliers in 1943. She then worked as a Research Scientist in the Biochemical Institute at The University of Texas in 1947-1950.

She spoke fondly of her short time living in New York City, where she lived in an apartment with five other young women. Her experiences from childhood to her time in New York City gave her the knowledge and courage to pursue her dreams and to speak her mind. She enjoyed her independence and was not afraid of taking the road less traveled. She was passionate about education and never stopped learning. She enjoyed having meaningful conversations about politics, religion, history, and current events in the world. She did not hold back her opinion, and loved to hear yours.

She had a long, happy marriage of 55 years to Harley Caruthers. He frequently talked about how they met. Harley saw her name in an article in the paper regarding a church program, and with a glimmer in his eye would say “I knew just by reading her name, she would be my wife.” He attended the church program and met Ellen. They married on August 3rd, 1955, in his mother’s living room.

Ellen liked to tell her story about her relationship with God, and frequently referred to herself as a born-again Christian. She accredited overcoming difficult times in her life to the grace of God. In her final days, Ellen expressed her overwhelming desire to be baptized again to proclaim her continued faith. She was baptized on February 10th 2020, at the age of 96, at St. John’s Rehabilitation facility.

She will be sorely missed by her granddaughters: Stephanie Oswald, Katelyn Gardner and spouse, Curtis Gardner. She is survived by great-grandchildren: Olivia, C’zariah, C’zarina, Quintin, Corey, Andrew, Cameron, and Elisabeth.

Ellen was passionate about de-stigmatizing mental illness. In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations in honor of Ellen to NAMI- the National Alliance of Mental Illness.

Memorial Graveside Services will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery, Pflugerville Texas on Saturday, May 16th, at 1:00 p.m.