Ellen Marie Carruthers

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Ellen Marie (Behe) Carruthers, age 97, of Sandy Spring, Maryland. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by love on June 21, 2025. Born in Lilly, Pennsylvania, she moved to Maryland in 1952 after she got married. Ellen dedicated her life to her family and found strength and guidance in her unwavering Catholic faith, leaving behind an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Ellen was the beloved mother of four children: Janet Mullinix (Gary) of Monrovia, Maryland; James L. Carruthers Jr. (Noreen) of Atherton, California; Alan P. Carruthers (Merrilee) of Dallas, Texas; and Jill C. Fitzgerald (John) of Brookeville, Maryland. She was the proud grandmother of Michael, Matthew (Mandi), Megan, William (Elizabeth), George, Jay (Amanda), Kathryn, Halley, Chelsea, Claire (fiancé Alex Howard), Emma, and James, who were the light of her life. She was the adoring great grandmother of Kendall and Kelsey Mullinix and Elle, Margot, and Gia Fitzgerald.

Ellen was the devoted wife of James L. Carruthers for 47 years. He died in 1998. She was also preceded in death by sisters Lee (Jim), Louise (Bob), and Dorothy (Clair); brothers-in-law, Jack, Tom, Bernard, and Bill; and sister-in-law, Jane.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ellen’s remarkable life on July 19, 2025 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Olney, Maryland. Visitation is at 10 a.m.; Funeral Mass is at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to Montgomery Hospice: montgomeryhospice.org/giving/how-your-gift-will-help or Tunnel to Towers Foundation: t2t.org/donate