Irene Stoneman Ellis

Irene Stoneman Ellis, 92, of Mt. Rush Farm in Buckingham, gratefully entered her heavenly home in the morning on Monday, November 24, 2025.  Born on October 25, 1933 to Irene Summers Stoneman and Wilmer Newcomb Stoneman, Sr., she grew up on Varina Farm near Richmond.  An active 4-H’er, 1949 Virginia 4-H All Star, and lifelong 4-H volunteer, Irene met her husband, R. S. Ellis, IV (Dick) at 4-H Short Course when he was State 4-H President.  A graduate of Varina High School in 1952, Virginia Tech (B.S. in Home Economics in 1956), and Longwood University (M.S. in Education in 1972), Irene dedicated her life to raising her family, farming, and volunteering at Maysville Presbyterian Church and in the community.  In 1976, she was appointed to the Buckingham County School Board, the second woman ever, after her grandmother-in-law in the 1920’s. She was recognized by the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce with its 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.

Predeceased by her son, Charles Shelton Ellis (Charlie), her parents, husband, brothers W.N. Stoneman, Jr. (Billy) and Bronson Stoneman, sister-in-law Gatewood Stoneman, and brother-in-law David Petrill, Irene is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Irene and Randy Leech, and Margaret Anne and Tim Martin; grandchildren and spouses, Kristen Martin D’Auito, T.J. and Brittany Martin, and, Richard and Alyssa Martin; great-grandchildren Brooklyn D’Auito, Blake D’Auito, Beckett D’Auito, Lydia Martin, Myles Martin, Grayson Martin and Gage Martin; sisters in law Helen Ellis Petrill and Janet Stoneman; Goddaughter Gatewood Stoneman is one of 9 nieces and nephews and cousin H.V. Ellis, who was only a phone call away and they checked with each other twice daily, is among many cousins.  Irene had numerous friends, including college friends who gathered at Mt. Rush each June for 50 years.  Her faithful cat, Figaro was with her every step of the way. 

Irene and her family were blessed since October 9 with a team of excellent caregivers including Brandi, Carolyn, Crystal, Jennifer, Lagal, LaVerne, Linda, ReeRee, and Stephanie coordinated by Lagal. They came on short notice and although we’ve only known them for a short time, they were all amazing and we will be forever grateful for their loving care.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 1:00pm at Maysville Presbyterian Church in Buckingham C. H., VA.  Because Irene recently declared a truce with UVA and Saturday is game day, the family suggests wearing VT’s orange and maroon or UVA’s blue and orange or your favorite team’s colors.  They request memorials to Maysville Presbyterian Church, Historic Buckingham, Inc., or Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center instead of flowers.