Ellen Clare Blake

Ellen Clare Blake
Ellen Clare Blake passed away on Tuesday July 24, 2012 with her family by her side.
Ellen was born in New York on April 29, 1957. She lived in Claremont, California for the majority of her life. She had an incredible zest for learning and enjoyed sharing her knowledge with anyone who needed it. Ellen graduated from St. Lucy's Priory High School in 1975. Later, she attended Cal Poly Pomona, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration. She triumphantly earned a Master's Degree in Education from the University of LaVerne.
Ellen was a teacher in the Claremont Unified School District for more than 15 years. She enjoyed utilizing and developing technology and techniques to teach each child as an individual. Working with children who have disabilities has always been an important part of her life. She was a Girl Scout leader, always encouraging girls and young woman to be strong, independent, resourceful and above all - responsible members of society.
Ellen enjoyed being outdoors and exploring new places. She was active in 4H as a youngster and loved riding horses. She had a love for nature and wildlife and was always up for an adventure.
In the last 6 years she was caught up in the role of Grandma to her four grand children: Maya, Ethan, Kendall and Cody. She enjoyed reading to them and encouraged the children to love books and learning, even authoring a few just for them.
Ellen is survived by her two daughters, Jennifer Davis and Katie Blake, her mother Claire Rudiger, her brothers Paul and Mark Rudiger, as well as her always faithful sister in laws, Robin and Vickie Rudiger. Ellen was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Rudiger.
Donations for a trees dedication in lieu of flowers maybe be made to La Arboretum. Contact Brittany at 626-821-3237. We know Ellen is smiling down on us all.