Debbie Sue Ellingsworth

Debbie Sue Ellingsworth, age 67, of Milford, Delaware passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 surrounded by her husband, two sons and family members at Bayhealth Sussex Campus in Milford, Delaware.

Debbie was born on December 27, 1958 in Hutchinson, Kansas to Ernie J. Howard and Melva L. Howard.

After moving to Delaware, Debbie attended the Milford School District and graduated from Milford High School in 1977. After graduation, she was employed at ILC Dover in Frederica, Delaware for 37 years. On weekends she enjoyed working at local Milford shops selling country decor, baskets, candles, and beanie babies. Debbie was a huge Longaberger basket collector and made several trips to Dresden, Ohio. She also loved collecting Beanie Babies and country items to decorate her country home.

On October 4, 1980 she married her high school sweetheart, Gary W. Ellingsworth. She raised two fine sons, Matthew and Jeremy. She enjoyed watching them play Little League Baseball and race go-karts.

In September 2017 she was blessed with her first grandson, Beau and later in June 2022 granddaughter, Hailey. She loved being called Mom-Mom and loved watching her grandkids. She always had the best snacks.

Debbie is preceded in death by her father, Ernie J. Howard and mother-in-law, Dawn E. Ellingsworth.

She is survived by husband, of 45 years, Gary Ellingsworth; son, Matthew Ellingsworth and Nikki Spence; son, Jeremy and Katelyn Ellingsworth; grandson, Beau; granddaughter, Hailey; mother, Melva Howard; sister, Bev; brother, Kevin; father-in-law, Doug Ellingsworth; and brother-in-law, Steve Ellingsworth.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front Street, Milford, Delaware 19963. A time of visitation will be 12 pm to 1 pm. Service will begin at 1 pm. Burial will be at Milford Community Cemetery in Milford, Delaware.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Debbie’s memory can be made to: Calvary Church, 301 South East Front Street, Milford, Delaware 19963; or Bayhealth Foundation, 640 S. State Street, Dover, DE 19901; or www.bayhealth.org/foundation

Services are in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home in Milford, Delaware.  Online condolences may be shared to the family at: www.shortfuneralservicesandcremation.com