Ellen McGarry Whitman

Ellen McGarry-Whitman, July 24, 1950 - December 22, 2017, was born in Rochester, New York to Thomas and Hedwig (Mueller) McGarry and spent her childhood growing up in Spencerport, New York.  She married her high school sweetheart, Kent, July 26, 1969 (only 2 days after her 19th birthday, as she would always say) and moved to New Mexico in 1973 with their oldest daughter Kelley, for warmer weather in the beautiful Southwest. 

While in Albuquerque, Ellen and Kent adopted their youngest daughter, Lindsey.  Ellen was a happy homemaker, licensed massage therapist, and spent many years working for Hickory Farms and Keller's Meat Market where she met lifelong friends. She believed you should live your life full of gratitude and grace, and she lived and died with both. 

Ellen was an eclectic, generous spirit who loved her rescue dogs, thrifting with Kelley, dates at Five-Guys with her oldest grandchildren, and the hugs of her two youngest grandchildren. Ellen never met a stranger, and often times left a piece of herself behind for others to enjoy such as a dram of her favorite Nag Champa Essential Oil, or would place a little metal Milagros in the hands of those she felt needed a little lift. She always had a candy in her purse to share and a 'wet-wipe' for sticky hands.  Her "Sparkle" will be missed as she brought light to a dim world.  Heaven is even brighter with her arrival. 

Ellen is survived by her daughters Kelley Schnepple and Lindsey VanNess; two son-in-laws Scott Schnepple and Rick VanNess; five grandchildren, Paige, Alyssa, Nick, Jace and Lyra; three brothers Mike, Matt, and Dan McGarry and one sister Patricia Mahns; and two dogs, Violet and Ginger. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Hedy; sister Kathleen; and husband Kent.

Services will be held on January 5, 2018 at 2:00pm at Daniel's Funeral Services at 4310 Sara Road, Rio Rancho, NM 87124.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Ellen's honor to the Healing Through Horses at http://www.healingthroughhorses.com.