Ellen (Boyer) Montellier Gilbert

Ellen Boyer Montellier Gilbert, aged 98, passed away peacefully on June 24, 2025, in Sonoma, California.

Born on July 6, 1926, in Coshocton, Ohio, Ellen was the daughter of Herbert and Ellen Auld Boyer. She was the eldest of three sisters and was predeceased by her sisters Ann Boyer Sawyer and Susan Fawns Boyer.

A gifted student from an early age, Ellen graduated as valedictorian of Coshocton High School in 1944 and went on to earn her degree cum laude from Case Western Reserve University in 1948. Her professional career reflected her adaptability and commitment, with positions at Republic Steel Corporation in Cleveland, Edmont Manufacturing Company in Coshocton, DiGiorgio Corporation in San Francisco, and Stanford University.

She was deeply involved in community service throughout her life. Ellen volunteered with the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Sonoma County Branch, supporting scholarships for local women, as well as the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance and the Allied Arts Guild in Menlo Park.

In 1963, Ellen married the love of her life, Richard “Dick” Montellier. Together they lived a life filled with friends, family, travel, golf and joy until his untimely passing in 1970. In 1987, she married Harry Gilbert, who also preceded her in death.

Ellen embraced life with a positive spirit, quick wit, and enduring resilience. People were drawn to Ellen, and she enjoyed many friends, both lifelong and those she met in the last two years as a resident of Sonoma Hills Retirement Community. A lifelong dog lover, she shared her home with many canine companions over the years from Hughie the French bulldog as a child to most recently, her beloved Tess.

Her adventurous spirit led her across the globe with a keen appreciation for history, art, and gardens. Her travels took her through Scotland, Great Britain, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 16290 Arnold Drive, Sonoma, CA 95476. In honor of Ellen’s vibrant spirit, bright and joyful attire is encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to AAUW Sonoma County Branch, Guide Dogs for the Blind, or St. Andrew Presbyterian Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ellen (Boyer) Montellier Gilbert, please visit our floral store.