DELRAY BEACH — Rita Ellis, former mayor of Delray Beach, died on March 15 due to complications from diabetes. She was 74.
Born in Spencer, West Virginia, Mrs. Ellis later moved to Florida, where she graduated from Eau Gallie High School in Melbourne. In August 1970, she married Dean Ellis, the love of her life, and together they built a beautiful marriage of nearly 55 years. They raised their daughters, built a business, and dedicated themselves to their community, always as a team.
Their love was a steadfast foundation, filled with humor, devotion and a shared passion for Delray Beach, where they lived for over five decades.
Beyond her professional and civic accomplishments, Rita and Dean shared a love of travel, exploring the world together and making lifelong memories. They visited destinations across the globe, experiencing different cultures and embracing adventure side by side.
Mrs. Ellis was an accomplished businesswoman and a natural leader. She began her career at Southern Bell, where her exceptional talent, work ethic and dedication led her to rise through the ranks at a time when few women were advancing in corporate leadership.
In 1973, she and Dean founded their mechanical services company, Climate Control Services, in Palm Beach County. Bringing her experience from management roles in customer service and operations, she played an integral role in the company’s success. She eventually succeeded Dean as president and CEO. The business remained in the family until its sale in 2022.
Mrs. Ellis is best known for her deep civic engagement in Delray Beach, where she dedicated herself to the city’s growth and well-being. Her early leadership roles included graduating from Leadership Delray; serving on the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce board of directors, including as chairwoman; serving seven years on the Downtown Development Authority, including four years as chairwoman; serving as the city’s Vision 2010 facilitator; chairing the Local Government Affairs Committee; chairing DelPAC’s board of directors; and serving on the Delray Medical Center board of trustees.
She was also honored with the Ambassador Rising Star Award, the Greater Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year, the Ken Ellingsworth Community Service Award, and recognition as a Spady Museum Community Hero.
In 2005, Mrs. Ellis was elected unopposed to the Delray Beach City Commission and was appointed vice mayor by her fellow commissioners. During her tenure, she championed stricter historic preservation guidelines and was a strong advocate for the city’s progressive affordable housing initiatives. In 2007, Mrs. Ellis became the first woman elected mayor of Delray Beach. (In 1954, Catherine Strong had been appointed mayor for one year.)
As mayor, Mrs. Ellis continued her commitment to public service, representing Delray Beach on the inaugural Palm Beach County Homeless Advisory Board.
Complications from an injury, coupled with her longtime treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes, led her to forgo a reelection bid in 2009. However, her impact on the city was undeniable, and in recognition of her service, she was awarded a Key to the City. Even after retiring from public office, Mrs. Ellis remained deeply engaged in her community, volunteering and serving on the Delray Beach Property Owners Association until her death.
Mrs. Ellis requested no memorial service, believing she had received ample recognition and love from friends, Delray Beach residents and colleagues during her lifetime. In keeping with her generosity and dedication to advancing medical knowledge, she donated her body to science in the hopes of helping improve the care and well-being of diabetes patients.
The family requests that donations be made to Old School Square in Delray Beach in lieu of flowers. Those wishing to honor Mrs. Ellis’ legacy may also do so by supporting local resources and initiatives that uplift their communities, particularly for underrepresented residents.
Mrs. Ellis was predeceased by her grandparents, Jake and Thelma Lowe; her parents, Mary Ellen Sheriff, Charles Walker, and Jim Sheriff; and her brother, Gene Lowe.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years, Dean Ellis; daughters Brandy Ellis of Boynton Beach and Amy Ellis (Chris Caswell) of Little Rock, Arkansas; brother Charles “Chuck” Walker (Dr. Maureen Whelihan) of Boynton Beach; nephews Charles “Charley” Walker of Palm Beach Gardens and Marshall Lowe of Largo; niece Nicole Bjornvick of Seminole; and many cherished in-laws, stepsisters and extended family members.
— Obituary submitted by the family
Comments