Martha Ellen Chitwood, nee Roberts, age78, died Friday, August 7, 2026.

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Ellen's hobbies brought her joy—she loved horseback riding, playing cards like Canasta and other board games, movies, gardening, quilting, crafting, and bird feeding.

She was born May 15, 1948 in Frederick, MD. Ellen was the daughter of the late H. Sterling and Doris Roberts. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Richard ‘Dick’ Chitwood; as well as her son, Michael Shawn Kelly; and her sisters, Harriett (Joseph) Eyler and Doris ‘Becky’ Lach.

Ellen will be deeply missed by her loving daughter, Samantha Dawn Murphy; daughter-in-law, Anita Kelly; sister, Eileen ‘Bud’ Roberts; and her brother-in-law, Robert Lach. She leaves behind her wonderful grandchildren, Thomas (Nikki) Murphy, Jenna (Tyler) Loveless, Christopher Kelly, Jacob Murphy, Colin Kelly and Casey Kelly; her precious great-grandchildren, Noah Michael, Jameson Murphy, Austin Murphy, Willow Kelly, Vera Loveless; as well as her nieces and nephews; extended family; stepchildren, Rhonda (Troy) Ferrell, Russell (Anna) Chitwood and Reed (Vicki) Chitwood; step grandchildren, Samantha Rummage, Cody Ferrell, Dru Chitwood, Chelsea Schools, Garrett and Kevin Chitwood; as well as many cherished friends.

Ellen spent her childhood growing up on a dairy farm in Mount Airy, Maryland. She worked for the AT&T phone company, Grove Lime Co., and finally, the U.S. Department of Energy, from which she retired.

Ellen had a passion for traveling, especially exploring the American West, and went on memorable journeys to China and Russia with her beloved husband, Dick. Ellen’s hobbies brought her joy-she loved horseback riding, playing cards like Canasta and other board games, movies, gardening, quilting, crafting, and bird feeding, always finding happiness in the simple pleasures.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at Stauffer Funeral Homes, 8 East Ridgeville in Mt. Airy, MD.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at the funeral home in Mt. Airy. Deacon Jerry Jennings will officiate. Final resting place will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Mount Airy.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.