D. Ellen Gorrell

Dorothy Ellen (D. Ellen) Gorrell, 95, of Granville, passed away on May 31, 2018. She was born in Vandalia, IL, to Agnes E. (Kaley) Brown, a teacher, and Otis A. Brown, a school principal. An only child, D. Ellen was reared by parents who valued education at a time when many women did not attend college. Her mother, an accomplished organist, also passed on to D. Ellen a passion for music that came to define her entire life. D. Ellen majored in music with a focus on voice at Eastern Illinois State Teachers College (now Eastern Illinois University), earning a bachelor’s degree in 1943. She taught briefly after graduation before marrying Gerald (Gerry) N. Gorrell in 1946 following his return from service during WWII.

 After moving from Illinois to Minnesota and then to Virginia with Gerry’s work with State Farm, they were transferred to the Newark office and settled in Granville in 1960. D. Ellen loved Granville and became an active member of P.E.O, Music Club, and the First Presbyterian Church where she sang in the choir and directed the junior choir. She also participated in several independent music groups and ensembles. In addition to her singing, she played the piano, recorders and the marimba. She also composed and arranged music for performance.

Her creativity was not limited to music alone. She sketched and painted in pastels, oils and watercolors, and she designed and hooked dozens of rugs. She was also an avid reader and lover of words. She had an amazing proficiency with crossword puzzles and was an armchair champion at Jeopardy.

Ellen moved to Kendal in 2009 where she continued to pursue her passion for music, for art and for reading among good friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at Kendal and the caregivers of Home Instead for their years of caring and compassion. They would also like to thank Philip Everingham, music director, who brought together members of the First Presbyterian Church choir to celebrate D. Ellen’s lifelong love of music during a special memorial service that included a performance of one of the pieces she had written.

D. Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry, who passed away in 2008. She is survived by her son Dan Gorrell and his wife Lois Livesay Gorrell (CA), and her daughter Vicki Gorrell and her husband Bob Mondi (OR). Those wishing to do so may make memorial contributions to the Licking County Humane Society, 825 Thornwood Dr., Heath, OH 43056; Kendal Employee Appreciation Fund, 2158 Columbus Rd., Granville, OH 43023; or First Presbyterian Church music program, 110 W. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.mcpekkhoekstra.com.

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