Birth date: Aug 22, 1938 Death date: Mar 19, 2020
Ellen Kay Compton, age 81, of Fayetteville passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020. She was born August 22, 1938 in Little Rock to Dr. Neil and Laurene Putman Compton. When her father began his service as Navy physician in the South Read Obituary
I knew Ellen as a fellow history major at U of A in the late 1950s. She was a member of Phi Alpha Theta, history honor society. I later had lunch with her at the home of Gretchen Gearhart - just a few years ago. We recalled professors, etc. Her achievements are remarkable. My condolences to the family. Sincerely, John Morris
Ellen and I were colleagues and friends for more than thirty years, from our training as archivists through our work collecting and processing research materials for Arkansas studies. We went on collecting trips, attended meetings, and especially collaborated with many practicing and aspiring historians working in Special Collections at the U of A. Her brilliant social skills complemented her inquiring mind and wide-ranging knowledge. Her sincere personal interest in every person she met always astonished me. And her devotion to her many elderly friends, giving them her time and attention, truly inspired me.
Ethel Simpson
I was so so sad when I learned of Ellen’s passing. And shocked. Somehow I thought she would live forever because her “life force” was so strong (a phrase I learned from her). She took me under her wing in 1980 when I joined the staff of Special Collections at the UA Library, not just as a professional mentor, but as a friend. I am eternally grateful to have known Ellen. We spent a lot of time together during the 4 years I was in Fayetteville and the generosity and kindness of Ellen and Curtis, as well as the pleasure of their company, made those years happy, even as my husband and I struggled through near-poverty in married-student housing. (Strange to say, we now have fond memories of Carson-Terrace.) I got too absorbed in my own pursuits in DC and now Miami to keep close contact, but I thought of Ellen often, always loved her, and still do. My deepest condolences to all the Shipley family. God bless you all, and it is terrible you have to absorb this loss during such a dreadful time. Please let me know about a memorial service. Love, Nan Thompson Ernst [email protected]
Ellen is one day older than I am and we shared many birthday parties together both preschool and during school and after we return home in 2000. I count her as one of my dearest life long friends. May God hold her in the palm of his hand. Dorothy Shemwell
I was so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. I first met her father and hiked with him and was privileged to take him to a place that he didn't know how to access. I related the story to Ellen about that hike later. I enjoyed being with Ellen on some hikes and as members of the Ozark Society. got to know her really well on a China trip. We also shared a few trips to look for the elusive Ivory billed woodpecker. Ellen will be missed for all she did to preserve history for generations to come.
Betty Brown
Ellen and I met almost fifty years ago as UofA students in a small graduate seminar. I was struck by her brilliant way with words and her ease of getting to know others. We became fast friends, and I will always treasure our relationship. Her valuable work in a variety of areas has made Ellen Compton immortal.
I know that God is holding Ellen and the Compton family in the palm of His hand. But I will still miss her more than I can say.
We never knew her, but your mother sounds like an amazing women. Our thoughts are with you.
Pete & Mary
To Ellen's family, I am sorry for your loss of Ellen. She was a remarkable lady. I was honored and fortunate to serve with Ellen on the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission for nine years from the mid 1980's to the mid 1990's. We attending meetings bi monthly during those years and struck up a wonderful friendship. Ellen was so kind, intelligent, personable, compassionate, and passionate about whatever she invested her time in. We who knew Ellen will also miss her grace and smile, You all have been in my thoughts and prayers. May your faith and fond memories of Ellen sustain you all in this difficult time. Again, I am so sorry.
Ralph Wilson, Jr.
Osceola
I was fortunate to have met Ellen years ago when she was the archivist in the architectural collection in UA Special Collections. I got to know her sense of humor and her depth of knowledge of Arkansas history when I drove with her to a conference in Fort Worth. She was a font of stories about every town we drove through. I ran into her recently when shopping. She was out there independently taking care of groceries and herself, looking really quite well and talking about her plans for the evening. I will miss her.
