Ellen Greenbaum Barker

Ellen (Sutton) Greenbaum Barker, also known fondly as "Bay," 65 years old, passed away unexpectedly on July 7th at her home. Ellen was born in Kittanning PA, and predeceased by her granddaughter Kennedy Sutton Ross, and her parents Mary Shannon Greenbaum and Dr. James Kennedy Greenbaum. She is survived by her husband William Barker, children, Aaron Steffey, Kate Ross, and Ellie Barker.

Ellen graduated from Kittanning Highschool in 1974. She was an avid sports woman. She excelled at tennis and swimming in her younger years and could most likely be found at the Kittanning YMCA playing sports of one kind or another.

She was a homemaker and stay at home mom who loved to garden throughout her life. She helped maintain the gardens at the old YMCA for many years. She also loved animals of all kinds and found joy in their companionship. She loved to spin wool, and knit fibers from her alpacas, loved cuddling with her dogs Izzy and Pippi, and enjoyed all of the animals she had over the years. She was a talented crafter and graced our family with many amazing creations.

Ellen moved to Maine with her husband in 2009. They always lived on the water, and the ocean was Ellen's favorite place to be. She enjoyed collecting sea glass, discarded buoys and other ocean treasures and making them into beautiful art pieces. The ocean was very much her happy place. She most recently lived in Winter Harbor on a farm by the ocean and loved to watch all of the wildlife that frequented the stream in front of their house.

Ellen loved her family most. Bill, her husband, was her rock, and she was a devoted and loving partner. Of their relationship, Bill said "I have lost my best friend and true love. The love of my life. I know she's found peace and has suffered with her illnesses more than anyone can imagine. She was my dearest partner and I will be lost without her."

Ellen was "Nana" to 6 grandchildren, Cole & Luke Steffey, Kennedy, Pierson & Mac Ross, and Guinevere Hunnefeld. Her grandchildren were the light in her life. She was a devoted Nana, and wanted nothing more than to spend as much time with all of them as she could. She constantly talked about all of her grandchildren and smiled at all they did. She was so proud to call herself Nana. Even though most of her grandchildren lived a distance away from her, she would video call them as often as she could and would light up when she talked to them.

Ellen was adamant to not have a service upon her death. She told us she would haunt us if we had one, and we are honoring her wishes. For anyone who knew her well, you know that Ellen was a strong woman who knew what she wanted in life and in death.

In lieu of flowers Ellen would have wished that donations be sent to Kennedy's Kids, a non-profit founded by her son and daughter-inlaw that benefits Blessings in a Backpack for Armstrong County, donations in her honor can be mailed to:

Kennedys Kids

11381 State Route 85 Kittanning PA 16201