Eleanor R. Taylor

Nearing the completion of her 100th cycle around the sun, surrounded by loving family, Eleanor "Ellie" Ruth Taylor, of Lewisville, Texas, formerly of Lafayette, Indiana, let go and let God lead her into her next grand adventure on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at The Pearl Senior Living Center, under Enhabit Hospice care. Born on August 26, 1925 at the family's Northern Kentucky farm home, the only child of the late Granville and Etta Taylor, Ellie's gifts for art blossomed while at Holmes High School, Covington, Ky. Before college in 1944, she worked for WWII efforts as a welder, riveting airplane wings for cargo and fighter planes at Baldwin Piano Company, which was repurposed in the war to develop airplane components. In fall, 1944 she received scholarships to attend Cincinnati Art Academy from which she graduated in 1948 with a degree in commercial art. Her career spanned over 40 years serving as an artist at Gibson Greeting Cards, as an advertising artist for Rich's Department Store in Atlanta, GA and Knoxville, TN, as an advertising and marketing agent for a private ad agency in Knoxville, and finally serving the Art Department at Purdue University's College of Agriculture in West Lafayette, developing their logo, publications and designs. In her retirement she delved into her interests of art, travel and reading. She volunteered at the Friends of the Library in Lafayette, helping to produce their newsletter, promote fundraising and help at their Book Sales. She developed a love of travel throughout the States as well as in Europe on Purdue University trips as well as with Ambassadair Travel Club. She continued to develop her talents in the broad spectrum of media and share her love of art as an active member of the Art Museum of Lafayette Tuesday Painters Guild, participating in many art shows. Ellie served on the Welcoming Committee as a member of Immanuel United Church of Christ. As her mother suffered with Alzheimer's disease at the end of her life, Ellie was deeply engaged with the Alzheimer's Association, to help other families who faced the same dilemmas with their family members. Ellie and her daughter, Deborah Ann (Skehan) Avellano, were blessed to be reunited and to share their journey 45 years after Debbie's birth and adoption. They praise God for the second chances and the grace granted. Ellie delighted in being "Granma Ellie", traveling to holiday gatherings, school festivities, graduations and family vacations. Surviving are her daughter, Deborah Avellano (Husband, George) and grandsons, John and Joseph of Corinth, TX. Ellie will be greatly missed by friends and family across the country, including her cousins' extended Watson and Dorrel families. Funeral arrangements are being handled through Hippensteel Funeral Home for her travel back to Lafayette, IN. from Texas, where visitation will be held from 1pm – 2pm Monday, August 25, 2025 at Hippensteel Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin at 2pm with Pastor TJ Jenney officiating. Graveside service will be held at 1pm Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Evergreen Cemetery in Southgate, KY for Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com