Ellen "Ellie" Helmstetter

Ellen "Ellie" Marie Helmstetter departed this earthly life to run free with her heavenly horses on September 9, 2026.

Ellie was born and raised in Cumberland, MD and was daughter to the late Joe and Pat Helmstetter and niece to her beloved late Aunt Eileen Carney.

She graduated from Frostburg State University with a business degree. After that she found her way to the love of her life, Billy Willis, and they shared a life together in Frederick, MD for 37 years. It is there that they built their vision, a horse farm named Patriot Farms. Ellie immersed herself in her passion to breed, raise and compete Belgian Draft horses. She extended her love for many more animals by surrounding herself at the farm with dogs, cats, birds, and other breeds of horses. True to Ellie's limitless style this love expanded into a career as a Veterinary Technician for over two decades.

When she wasn't in her barn clothes or scrubs, she would love wearing beautiful clothes and jewelry. She almost always had music playing and could be heard singing along beautifully to every song. When you added the music to a celebration you would find her non-stop on the dance floor. Her endless energy was never wasted; she did things with purpose and meaning.

The closest she came to slowing down was when she would allow herself to get lost in her art room. Painting with oils was her favorite and of course horses were her favorite subject.

Among her many other accomplishments Ellie was also a successful businesswoman. After leaving the veterinary field she started and operated her own trucking company for many years.

She enjoyed the wind on her face whether she was riding in a horse-drawn wagon, cruising in her Corvette, or running farm errands in her dually. She faced life without fear, approaching all things with courage and a deep commitment to her faith. She lived with constant uncertainty about whether her body would continue to carry her where she needed to go. Yet you would never have known it, because she always cared far more about the person in front of her than herself.

With a heart of gold, a love for fun, and an indomitable spirit, she made this world a better place.

Surviving in addition to her soulmate and best friend, Billy, are her two brothers Kevin and Denny Helmstetter, dear friend Jason Smith, soul sister JoJo Grigsby, and her devoted dog, Bug.

Ellie's cremains will be joyously transported, in a private procession home by longtime friend Rob Summers, driving her show wagon with his team of horses.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ellie's memory for Gentle Giants Draft Rescue or any animal rescue/sanctuary of your choosing. Donations to help better the lives of the horses and pets left here would fulfill her legacy of undying love for those who serve in fur.

Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue

Mailing address:
Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue
17250 Old Frederick Road
Mt. Airy, MD 21771
Phone Number: 443-285-3835