Irene Stoneman Ellis

Irene Stoneman Ellis, 92, of Mt. Rush Farm in Buckingham, gratefully entered her
heavenly home in the morning on Monday, November 24, 2025. Born on October 25,
1933 to Irene Summers Stoneman and Wilmer Newcomb Stoneman, Sr., she grew up
on Varina Farm near Richmond. An active 4-H'er, 1949 Virginia 4-H All Star, and
lifelong 4-H volunteer, Irene met her husband, R. S. Ellis, IV (Dick) at 4-H Short Course
when he was State 4-H President. A graduate of Henrico County High School, Virginia
Tech (B.S. in Home Economics in 1956), and Longwood University (M.S. in Education in
1972), Irene dedicated her life to raising her family, farming, and volunteering at
Maysville Presbyterian Church and in the community. In 1976, she was appointed to
the Buckingham County School Board, the second woman ever, after her grandmother-
in-law in the 1920's. She was recognized by the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce
with its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Predeceased by her son, Charles Shelton Ellis (Charlie), her parents, husband, brothers
W.N. Stoneman, Jr. (Billy) and Bronson Stoneman, and brother-in-law David Petrill,
Irene is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Irene and Randy Leech, and
Margaret Anne and Tim Martin; grandchildren and spouses, Kristen Martin D'Auito, T.J.
and Brittany Martin, and, Richard and Alyssa Martin; great-grandchildren Brooklyn
D'Auito, Blake D'Auito, Beckett D'Auito, Lydia Martin, Myles Martin, Grayson Martin and
Gage Martin; sisters in law Helen Ellis Petrill and Janet Stoneman; Goddaughter
Gatewood Stoneman is one of 9 nieces and nephews and cousin H.V. Ellis who was
only a phone call away and they checked with each other twice daily, is among many
cousins. Irene had numerous friends, including college friends who gathered at Mt.
Rush each June for 50 years. Her faithful cat, Figaro was with her every step of the
way.
Irene and her family were blessed since October 9 with a team of excellent caregivers
including Brandi, Carolyn, Crystal, Jennifer, Lagal, LaVerne, Linda, ReeRee, and
Stephanie coordinated by Lagal. They came on short notice and although we've only
known them for a short time, they were all amazing and we will be forever grateful for
their loving care.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 1:00pm at Maysville
Presbyterian Church in Buckingham C. H., VA. Because Irene recently declared a truce
with UVA, the family suggests wearing VT's orange and maroon or UVA's blue and
orange or your favorite team's colors. They request memorials to Maysville
Presbyterian Church, Historic Buckingham, Inc., or Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center in lieu of flowers.