Barbara J. (Hames, Comstock) Ellis

ORANGE - Barbara Jean Ellis (Hames, Comstock) 88,  she was cared for by her daughter and great granddaughter Hannah Major and passed peacefully at home with her daughter Nancy (#1) and son in law, Howard E. Major at her side September 3, 2012. Born in Greenfield MA on August 31, 1924,  she was the daughter of the late Robert W. and Beatrice (St. Lawrence) Hames. During Barbara’s younger years she enjoyed photography, fishing, hunting and camping with her family. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed cooking, canning and working the farm.  She was also a 4-H leader for several years and enjoyed painting, needlepoint and spending time sewing. Dancing, music and bird watching were also favorite past times. A few of her many travels included cruises to Bermuda and Nassau, as well as visiting Canada and traveling through many of the United States. One of her most memorable was her latest trip to be with all of her seven children for a reunion and her 86th birthday celebration in Washington State. She was a graduate of Athol High School, was employed at L.S. Starrett for many years. She managed R&R Jewelry in Athol for several years before returning to Starretts where she retired in 1988. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Ellis, the father of her seven children Charles S. Comstock, sister Nancy Picard, sister MaryJane Hiett, granddaughter Tracey Romanoff and great grandson Ryan Charles McEwen. She was a proud mother and leaves behind her 7 children, Richard, Susan, Cynthia, Nancy, Mary, Roy and Robin, her brother Richard Hames, as well as 6 step children, 25 grandchildren and 23+ great grandchildren.             There will be no calling hours and burial will be for family members at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Nancy-Hames Picard Memorial Scholarship c/o Athol High School 2363 Main St., Athol, MA 01331.               For more information or to sign our online guest book please visit www.fiskemurphymack.com.               Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements. $(document).ready(function(){ });