Ellen Phillips Thomas

Ellen Thomas, 71, of Edinburg, VA, passed away at her home on October 23, 2025. She was born on February 25, 1954, to the late Jane Carolyn Sandy Phillips and James Everett Phillips of Harrisonburg. Ellen will be remembered fondly by her friends and family as an artist: she spent many years working in stained glass and later in fiber arts, basketry, and various other media "as the spirit moved [her]." Ellen was preceded in death by both of her ex-husbands and is survived by her two adult children, Coral Sheldon-Hess and Ian Hess; her brother and sister, Peter Phillips and Jennifer Carpenter; her niece and nephew, Lizz Rohwer and Benjamin Webster; and her beloved green-cheeked conure, "Doodoo." In keeping with Ellen's wishes, there will be no service, and rather than send flowers, her family requests that any memorial contributions be made to your local food pantry or bird sanctuary.