Ellen Rainer Andrews, 68, of Montgomery, died peacefully on January 18, 2018, with her family and pets surrounding her. She was predeceased by her parents, Jack H. Rainer and Martha "Mots" Bigbee Rainer, her brother-in-law Warren M. Andrews, her uncles Perry, Larry and John Bigbee, and her uncle Feagin Rainer.
Ellen's highest priority in life was her family. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, John Fontaine Andrews, her son, James Rainer Andrews, her daughter Brannon Fontaine Andrews and son-in-law Joseph Franklin Chase, and their children Andrew "Drew" Fontaine Chase and Raymond "Ray" Franklin Chase. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Jack F. and Alice M. Rainer, their children Jack F. Rainer Jr. and Matthew M. Rainer (Kelly), and Matt and Kelly's children, Matthew M. Rainer Jr., Andrew H. Rainer, and W. Vaughan Rainer.
In addition, she is survived by her sister-in-law Lynn H. Andrews and nieces Elizabeth-Lee A. Lawley and Lynn M.H. Andrews. Her beloved uncle Steve Bigbee and aunts Francis and Linda Bigbee also survive her.
Ellen had a life-long love of animals and a passion for caring for them. She graduated from college with a degree in sociology but later attended veterinary school, earning her D.V.M. in 1989. She practiced small animal medicine for 20 years but her true calling was helping shelter animals find loving homes. She volunteered at the Montgomery Humane Society for 40 years, serving on its Board of Directors and acting as its President for five years.
When Ellen wasn't busy helping animals, she enjoyed working in her extensive garden. She was a Master Gardener and inherited from her mother a talent for making beautiful flower arrangements.
A memorial service for Ellen will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2018, at 3:00 PM at Church of the Ascension. Following the service, her family will receive friends at her home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in her memory to:
- The Montgomery Humane Society.
Published in the Montgomery Advertiser on Jan. 19, 2018.