Ellen C. Binckley M.D.

Ellen C. Binckley, M.D.

October 5, 1916 - March 2, 2008

Ellen C. Binckley, M.D., died peacefully in her sleep at her Eureka home, after enjoying 91 years of a rich and fulfilling life.

Ellen Counts was born on the family farm near Baldwin City, Kansas, the eldest of four daughters to Wilson and Wilma (Crossan) Counts. She graduated from high school in Baldwin City as valedictorian in 1934. She attended Baker University in Baldwin City, graduating in 1938, Phi Beta Kappa. Ellen received a fellowship in zoology at Syracuse University, New York, earning her M.A. in zoology in 1940, after working with Dr. Manwell on bird malaria. She began medical school at the Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry in 1941, where she met John Binckley, whom she married in 1943. Their course of study was accelerated during World War II, graduating from medical school in 1944. After her nine month internship at Rochester University, she received an A.O.A. In 1945, she accepted an Assistant Residency in Medicine at U.C.S.F.

John returned from the army in 1947 and started his medical practice in Mill Valley, CA while Ellen left medicine to become a mother, a profession she felt was a greater challenge than medicine. She was happily married for over 50 years to John, an OB-GYN, who practiced medicine in San Francisco, Marin and Humboldt Counties.

She is survived by her loving family: three daughters: Susan Binckley of northern California, Barbara B. Martin (Daniel P. Martin) Eureka, CA and Kate Binckley (Joe Stearns) near Melville, MT: her sisters, Margaret Counts, Baldwin City, KS and Maryann Arndt (Arthur A. Arndt) of Anacortes, WA; nieces: Cynthia Dolman, Anacortes, WA; Nancy Duran (Delbert Hughes) Bryan, TX; Her grandchild, Benjamin J. Martin is serving in the USAF Security Forces, stationed in Iraq.

Ellen was raised to value a good education and hard work. She believed strongly in public education; worked hard to improve schools in Marin County and believed one can be empowered by knowledge. She thoroughly enjoyed good conversation and a rousing discourse. Ellen felt that goodness prevailed over evil and lived by the Golden Rule. She was fulfilled by being a homemaker, wife and mother. Ellen’s friends will remember her sparkle, smile and sense of humor. She became accomplished at anything she chose to undertake: medicine, cooking, sewing and gardening. She was a talented artist; creating embroidered tapestries, mosaics and wonderful gardens. She thoroughly enjoyed life: great books, traveling the West and lasting friendships. Ellen not only touched numerous lives but made significant differences to many. She will be GREATLY missed.

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