MEMPHIS — Ellen B. Randall
passed away on Saturday, October 7th 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. surrounded by her family and loved ones. Born to Gordon D. and Erma Beckwith in Grand Rapids, Mich., Ellen and her brother, Gordon D. Beckwith Jr. “Sonny”, grew up playing outside on the farm. Ellen was raised in Yardley, Pa. and New Rochelle, N.Y. and graduated from New Rochelle High School. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from Henderson State University. She received her Master of Science in Physiology from University of Arkansas Medical Sciences.
Ellen was very active in the Hot Springs Community Theatre was in several productions including Peter Pan, Hayfever, and Lion of Winter. She was an avid reader, gardener, and bird watcher. Her favorite mornings were those spent outside with her coffee, her crosswords, and her cats.
Ellen was deeply committed to her faith and was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian Church. She was a deacon at First Presbyterian Church in Hot Springs and served as an Elder and a deacon for Grace Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. In addition to serving on several committees, she was a member of Presbyterian Women, the church choir, and the handbell choir.
Ellen’s life was underscored by her boundless and generous giving. She was a dedicated community servant and served as the Stew Pot coordinator and as a coordinator with the Interfaith Hospitality Program for over ten years. She also volunteered for several school lunch and literacy programs for McDermont Elementary School in Little Rock.
Ellen also gave her immense time and talent in her role as a lifelong educator. She taught in the Lakeside School District and Hot Springs School District for many years as an instructor of Biology and Chemistry. She also taught Anatomy and Physiology for Henderson State University at Baptist Health System School of Nursing for 25 years.
She is survived by her three children, Diane Martini (spouse Gary Martini), William “Billy” Robert Randall Jr. (spouse Jamie Randall), and Sue Randall MacQueen (spouse Andrew MacQueen). She is also survived by her five grandchildren, who lovingly refer to her as their “Da”: Emily Taylor Stone, Jonathan Gann, Addison Stone, Dillon Cheney, and Gracie Gann.
Her accomplishments, accolades, volunteer work, and community service activities are too many to list, as are the innumerable lives she has touched. These speak to the kindness and generosity of her spirit and dedication to returning some of the many blessings she received in her long and joyous life. She will be greatly missed.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, October 11th, 2023 from 5-7 p.m. at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in Hot Springs, 155 Section Line Rd, Hot Springs, Ark. 71913. Memorial service to be held on Thursday, October 12th, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church at 9301 N Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72227. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Grace Presbyterian Church (https://gracelr.org/). Funeral arrangements through Caruth-Hale (https://www.caruth-hale.com/).