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Ellen Lauletta
Aspiring Rockette, accordion aficionado, devoted Rat Pack fan and beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Ellen “Ellie”
Lauletta died on June 1, surrounded by family.
Born in 1938 to Henry and Eleanor Muller, Ellen spent her childhood in Brooklyn, New York, where she took dance classes
and listened to her father play jazz alongside her brother, Louis. At 17, she met her future husband, Vito, and was quickly
embraced by his large Italian family, forming especially close bonds with his mother, Rose, and sisters, Ann and Fran.
Married in 1960, Ellen and Vito spent their newlywed years in the New York area, where they joyfully welcomed their son,
Stephen, and daughter, Lynette, before eventually settling in Columbus, Ohio. There, Ellen built a remarkable 27-year career
as an executive assistant (boss) at Keebler, where she was known for her dedication, sharp mind and mastery of Pitman
shorthand.
Growing up, Stephen and Lynette always knew there would be room at the table for friends and guaranteed laughter at one
of Ellen’s famous spaghetti dinners – a tradition carried on through the years that made everyone feel like family. She
enjoyed being around others, never passing up the opportunity to spend time sunning at the pool or a day at the golf course.
Whether cheering from the sidelines, sewing outfits, leading the PTA, or shopping, Ellen found her greatest joy in her
children and, later, her treasured grandchildren, Gabrielle, Isabelle, and Eli Hofmeister.
Over her 87 years, Ellie passed along countless bits of wisdom for which we are grateful. Among her gems were:
You never know from where you sit, how you stand
Never throw away a perfectly good ribbon on a present
Go to mass and give to others
You’re never too old for a kick line, especially at Thanksgiving
Rescue animals in need
There’s always time for shopping
Never hesitate to call customer service to lodge a complaint
LOL means Lots Of Love in a text from Ellen
Sinatra is king
Laughter is the best medicine
Ellen never met a stranger. Her warmth, humor, and infectious spirit made everyone feel welcome and if you were fortunate
to spend time with her, you were guaranteed a laugh and to leave with a smile.
Kick high, “oom pah pah” to your heart’s content, and sing along to Frankie – you’re the tops, Ellie.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to:
Miles Jesu-St. Josephat Center
Providing Spiritual Support to Catholic Families, Individuals and Groups in South Phoenix.
1925 E Baseline Rd., Phoenix AZ 85042
Donation https://www.milesjesu.org/miles-jesu-missions/support-us/
Live to be Different Foundation
The Live To Be Different Foundation, led by NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace, was founded in 2017 to empower individuals
seeking opportunities to reach their full potential, regardless of their age, race, disabilities, or aspirations. Through a
message of compassion, love, and understanding, Bubba believes barriers can be broken down so everyone can pursue and achieve their dreams.
Donation https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/SQDW99F4BS7C8
Tammy & Tracy Williams says
God bless the family. What a wonderful lady and I was blessed to have known her.
Jamie Nolan says
My Aunt Ellie was so much more than an aunt—she was one of the most loving, generous, and unforgettable people in our lives. She had a way of making everyone around her feel special, and the memories she gave us are treasures that will stay in our hearts forever.
As a child, I remember how she made matching velvet outfits for Stephen, Lynette, and me, complete with hippie trim on the bottoms of the bell-bottom pants. We thought we were the coolest kids in the world, and that was Aunt Ellie—she always found a way to make ordinary moments feel magical.
One of my favorite memories is from my wedding day. I was nervous and overwhelmed, and when I couldn’t go to the restroom, Aunt Ellie calmly turned on the cold water. Somehow, it worked. She always seemed to know exactly what to do, offering comfort, wisdom, and a little bit of humor when it was needed most.
My sons adored her. They looked forward to the countless packages that arrived from the “Keebler Treehouse,” and they loved their weekly phone calls with “Arnie the Cat.” Aunt Ellie never missed an opportunity to bring joy into a child’s life. She made them feel loved, important, and connected, no matter how many miles separated us.
Whenever we visited Aunt Ellie and Uncle Vito in Ohio, we were treated like royalty. Their home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the feeling that family was the most important thing in the world. The meals she prepared were made with love, especially her delicious creamed chicken with rice pilaf. And her desserts! She was endlessly creative in the kitchen, and her homemade chipwiches remain legendary in our family.
What I will remember most, though, is Aunt Ellie herself—her infectious laugh, her generous spirit, her kindness, and the way she made every person feel welcome and cherished. She created memories that span a lifetime, and each one is a reminder of how deeply she loved her family.
There are thousands of stories we could tell, and each one would reveal another reason why she was so special. We were blessed to have her in our lives, and while our hearts are broken by her loss, they are also full of gratitude for the love, laughter, and joy she gave us.
We will miss her dearly, but we will carry her with us always—in our stories, our traditions, our laughter, and our hearts. Aunt Ellie was truly one of a kind, and we will treasure her memory forever. ❤️