Frances Dye Ellis
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Frances Dye Ellis, Golfer, Bridge Player and Family Matriarch
Frances Dye Ellis died peacefully at her home on Hilton Head Island, SC, on March 1, 2022. Frances lived a full and active life and will be remembered for her adventurous spirit, her fun-loving nature and her selfless devotion to her family. Born in Augusta, Georgia on November 21, 1932, to Patrick Henry Rowe and Ina Kate (Chance) Rowe, she married fellow Augustan and childhood acquaintance Vernon Louis Dye in 1949 following his return from service in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Vernon's job with Lily Tulip Cup Corporation (later part of Owens Illinois) took the couple from Augusta to Springfield, Missouri, to Bardstown, Kentucky and later back to Augusta before their final transfer back to Springfield. There, Vernon passed away at the age of 56. Frances remained in Springfield and later married local attorney Ransom A. Ellis Jr., to whom she remained happily married until his death in 2012 at the age of 92. Soon after, Frances moved to Hilton Head Island, where she and Vernon had enjoyed many summer vacations with their children, and she resided there until her death.
Frances and Vernon had four children, one of whom, Timothy, preceded them in death. Frances is survived by her other three children, Jennifer Barnes (William) of Fayetteville, Georgia, Alan Dye (Melissa) of Washington DC and Lesley Dales (Clifford) of Savannah, Georgia. She was a loving grandmother to Will (Claire) and Taylor (Behzad) Barnes, Walker (Charlotte) and Frances Dales, and Millicent and Timothy Dye, and the proud great grandmother of Ada and Ellie Barnes and Mary Frances and Hatcher Dales. She also is survived by her sister and frequent travel companion, Anna Carter of Coos Bay, Oregon, with whom she remained close despite the geographic distance.
Frances was busy and socially active her entire life. Following her graduation from Tubman High School at the age of 16, she attended Draughons Business College and held jobs of increasing responsibility at Sears and then Camp Gordon. After raising her children, she worked as a real estate agent. Her true mark in life, however, was the joy her energy and good humor inspired in her friends and family. She was a consummate cook and hosted dinner parties frequently. She played golf in mixed leagues and ladies groups, played duplicate bridge for years and social bridge her entire life, and taught all manner of card and board games to her children and grandchildren. Her temper flared only rarely, usually when she thought her bridge partner led or played the wrong card. She played piano, owning the same one for over 60 years, and entertained her children and grandchildren with her repertoire of American folk songs, hymns, and 40's dance tunes. She had an adventurous spirit, and amazed her family in her later years by riding a bicycle backwards in her 60's, riding an ATV on a guided ride over rough terrain in her 70's, and zip-lining in her 80's.
Frances was a devoted church-goer and remained a volunteer at St. Andrews by the Sea Methodist Church in Hilton Head until her death. She will be sorely missed.
A private family memorial will be held on March 15 at Elliott's Funeral Home in Martinez, Georgia, after which Frances will be buried at Westover Cemetery in Augusta.