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Ellen Crampton, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great great grandmother, passed away at her treasured home on the morning of 04/17/23. Ellen was born in Dos Palos, CA to Arthur and Emma Jones and resided in Dos Palos her entire life. Her father was one of the founding fathers of the Dos Palos community. After attending local schools and a year at San Jose State, she met the love of her life, Don Crampton, on a blind date shortly after he returned from active duty as a pilot in World War II. They married in 1947 and began raising three children. They were very devoted to each other and were happily married for over 50 years until Don’s death in 1998. Shortly after starting a family, Ellen began her true passion of teaching with a “provisional” credential and later finished her degree and permanent credential at Fresno State. During her 42 year teaching/administrative career with the Dos Palos Elementary School District, she taught many grade levels and subjects, but she especially enjoyed teaching children to read in the second grade. She loved teaching so much that she continued to substitute teach long after her retirement. She also appreciated the lasting friendships she made with her many colleagues and co-workers. Along with the joy of teaching, Ellen also shared a good life with her family and friends at home and at their family cabin. She and Don enjoyed their special trips together to Hawaii, Mexico, the Grand Canyon, Alaska, and even a river expedition in British Columbia! Ellen always enjoyed being outdoors, was an avid gardener and wildlife enthusiast, and truly adored her many pets throughout the years. Her dog (Tippy), her cat (Cricket), and her aviary full of doves and cockatiels gave her a lot of joy and companionship in her last few years. Ellen is survived by her daughter, Sara Jo Crampton (Richard Nelson); and her four grandchildren, Tiffany Barroso (John), Dawn James (Rich), Lou Ruiz (Heather), and Stephanie Crampton (Tim Odell). She adored her eight great grandchildren, Miguel (Brianne), Dustin, Brad, Chad, Makai, Kanoa, Charlotte and Emma. She also delighted in her great great grandson, Darren. Ellen was predeceased by her parents, her husband Don, her daughter Christy Ruiz (Louie), her son Steve Crampton (Gayle), and many of her dear friends and extended family members. We like to believe that their spirits are all united once again. Ellen truly cared for her amazing caregivers who made it possible for her to continue living comfortably in her own home until her passing. The family especially wants to express their gratitude to Vicky Gamble for the patience, companionship and care that she gave our mother during the last four years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the Arthur Jones Library at Marks School, the library at the Dos Palos Elementary School, or to your favorite children’s charity (such as the Shriners Hospital for Children or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital). Following her wishes, only a private celebration of life is planned for Ellen with her closefamily.

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Ellen R. Crampton

April 24, 1928 - April 17, 2023