Betty Walters Ellis

Private memorial services are planned for Betty Walters Ellis, 97, Lawrence.Mrs. Ellis died Monday, July 2, 2007, in Lawrence.She was born Aug. 29, 1909, in Lamar, Mo., the daughter of Arthur Willard and Ida May Gibson Walters. She was a resident of Lawrence since June 30, 1989. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Idaho Technical Institute in Pocatello, Idaho, where she studied piano with professor James C. Campbell Jr.; Bachelor of Arts and Master of Education degrees from the University of California in Los Angeles, where she studied piano with Olga Steeb, eminent concert pianist and teacher; and a Doctorate of Education from the University of Southern California.Mrs. Ellis’ educational career spanned 30 years from 1942 to 1972 with the Los Angeles City Unified School District. She worked as a teacher of music and social studies, guidance and curriculum consultant and supervisor of vocational guidance and research. She was active in the Los Angeles Vocational Guidance Association and served successively in elective positions. She was a member of the Editorial Board of “The Vocational Guidance Quarterly” from 1963 to 1965, and chairwoman of the Publications Committee from 1966 to 1969. Mrs. Ellis was also a founding president of the statewide California Association for Counseling and Development and was listed in “Who’s Who of American Women in Education” for the years 1958-1972.She married Walter Krimont Ellis. He died April 28, 1971.Mrs. Ellis was also preceded in death by a brother, Gibson Walters.Survivors include two sisters, Miriam W. Blum-Baur, Lawrence, and June W. Leonard, Silver Spring, Md.; and her nieces and nephews.The family suggests memorials to Unity School of Christianity, 1901 NW Blue Parkway, Unity Village, MO 64065.Condolences may be sent to Miriam Blum-Baur, in care of Brandon Woods Retirement Community, 1501 Inverness Drive, Lawrence 66047.