Ellen Teller

Middleton, Wisconsin/Watertown, New York-Ellen deGraff Teller, age 92, passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 1st, 2018, at Attic Angel Place in Middleton, Wisconsin. Ellen was born September 4th, 1925, in Watertown, New York to Albert and Olive (Fuller) deGraff. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics and met her future husband, Henry J. Teller at that time. Ellen and Henry were married June 20th, 1947, in Herkimer, New York. They started their married life and family in Hartford, Connecticut, and moved to Springfield, Missouri; Clayton, Missouri; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Greenville, Ohio, for Henry's work. While raising her family in Springfield, she was very active in the League of Women Voters and the PTA and attended Southwest Missouri State University where she earned a master's degree in Education. In Indianapolis, she was a successful Real Estate agent. After moving to Greenville, Ohio, she worked as a county extension agent and associate professor at The Ohio State University from which she retired. After retiring and the death of her husband, she moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and finally to the Madison area where her daughter, Susan, lives.

Ellen was an independent woman with an active, curious mind. She was a life-long member of the Unitarian-Universalist Church and actively supported many progressive causes related to her belief in individual and human rights. She was an avid reader. Ellen was an accomplished quilter and enjoyed collecting antique perfume bottles and fans, gardening, and travel.

Survivors include children, Steven Teller (Susan Karl), Susan Teller, and David Teller; grandchildren Tamara and Russell Teller, Stephanie (Jonathan Anderson) and Kelly Kvammen; and younger brother, David deGraff. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Teller; a brother, Roger deGraff; and life companion and fellow traveler, Louie Leedle.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 900 University Bay Dr., Madison, WI. Michael Schuler, Senior Minister will preside.

Winn-Cress Funeral Home
5785 Hwy Q
Waunakee, WI