Rita Carol Lowe Walker Ellis

Delray Beach - Rita Ellis, former Mayor of Delray Beach, Florida, passed away on March 15, 2025, due to complications from diabetes.

Born in Spencer, West Virginia, Rita later moved to Florida, where she graduated from Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne. In August 1970, she married Dean Ellis, the love of her life, and together they built a beautiful marriage of nearly 55 years. They raised their daughters, built a business, and dedicated themselves to their community, always as a team. Their love was a steadfast foundation, filled with humor, devotion, and a shared passion for Delray Beach, where they lived for over five decades.

Beyond her professional and civic accomplishments, Rita and Dean shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and making lifelong memories along the way. They visited destinations across the globe, experiencing different cultures and embracing adventure side by side. Their passion for travel extended to their family, and throughout her life, Rita continued to explore new places with her loved ones, creating cherished memories on every journey.

Rita was an accomplished businesswoman and a natural leader. She began her career at Southern Bell, where her exceptional talent, work ethic, and dedication led her to rise through the ranks at a time when few women were advancing in corporate leadership. In 1973, she and Dean founded their mechanical services company, Climate Control Services, in Palm Beach County. Bringing her experience from management roles in customer service and operations, she played an integral role in the company's success. She eventually succeeded Dean as President and CEO, leading the business with the same strong leadership and strategic vision that had defined her career. The business remained in the family until its sale in 2022.

Rita is best known for her deep civic engagement in Delray Beach, where she dedicated herself to the city's growth and well-being. Her early leadership roles included graduating from Leadership Delray, serving on the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors-ultimately as Chairwoman, serving seven years on the Downtown Development Authority, including four years as Chairwoman, serving as the Visions 2010 Facilitator, chairing the Local Government Affairs Committee, chairing DelPAC's Board of Directors, and serving on the Delray Medical Center Board of Trustees. She was also honored with the Ambassador Rising Star Award, the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, the Ken Ellingsworth Community Service Award, and recognition as a Spady Museum Community Hero.

In 2005, Rita was elected unopposed to the Delray Beach City Commission and was appointed Vice Mayor by her fellow commissioners. During her tenure, she championed stricter historic preservation guidelines and was a strong advocate for the city's progressive affordable housing initiatives. In 2007, Rita made history as the first woman elected Mayor of Delray Beach. (In 1954, Catherine Strong had been appointed mayor for one year.) As mayor, Rita continued her commitment to public service, representing Delray Beach on the inaugural Palm Beach County Homeless Advisory Board.

Complications from an injury, coupled with her long battle with insulin-dependent diabetes, led her to forgo re-election in 2009. However, her impact on the city was undeniable, and in recognition of her service, she was awarded the Key to the City. Even after retiring from public office, Rita remained deeply engaged in her community, volunteering and serving on the Delray Beach Property Owners Association until her passing.

Rita requested no memorial service, believing she had received ample recognition and love from friends, fellow Delray Beach residents, and colleagues during her lifetime. In keeping with her generosity and dedication to advancing medical knowledge, she donated her body to science in the hopes of helping future doctors and researchers improve the care and well-being of diabetes patients.

The family requests that donations be made to Old School Square in Delray Beach in lieu of flowers. Those wishing to honor Rita's legacy may also do so by supporting local resources and initiatives that uplift their communities, particularly for underrepresented residents.

Rita was predeceased by her beloved grandparents, Jake and Thelma Lowe; her parents, Mary Ellen Sheriff, Charles Walker, and Jim Sheriff; and her brother, Gene Lowe.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dean Ellis; daughters Brandy Ellis of Boynton Beach, FL, and Amy Ellis (Chris Caswell) of Little Rock, AR; brother Charles "Chuck" Walker (Dr. Maureen Whelihan) of Boynton Beach, FL; nephews Charles "Charley" Walker of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, and Marshall Lowe of Largo, FL; niece Nicole Bjornvick of Seminole, FL; and many cherished in-laws, stepsisters, and extended family members.