Ellen Little Stratton passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021. She was a beloved Mother, Sister, Wife, Friend, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Great-Great Grandmother. Her good looks are only outmatched by her intelligence and wit. A straight-A student turned exceptional business woman, she knew what she wanted out of life, so she went out and got it.
Ellen married the love of her life, Laird “Buck” Stratton in 1963 and raised their beautiful family here in New Jersey. After retiring from real estate, she spent her days doing the things she loved: traveling with friends, going to Monmouth Park, reading English mysteries and finding a great happy hour with her best friend of 60 years, Patty Murphy. Ellen was ferociously loyal and dedicated to her family and friends. She was a fantastic cook, knew how to throw a great party and the person you always wanted in your corner.
Ellen is predeceased by her husband Buck and daughter Victoria; sisters Edie Little Hermo and Joan Little; brother Gerald Little and beloved dog Poncho.
Ellen is survived by her daughter Gail Zick and her husband Paul; three sons Gene Berardo and his wife Audrey, Rick Berardo and his wife Joan and Laird Stark Stratton and his wife Jillian; her sister-in-law Christine Grimley and best friends Patricia Murphy and Joan Duckers; 10 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Each one misses her deeply but are comforted that she and Buck are finally together again.
Visitation will be Sunday, June 6th from 2 to 5 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ. A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 7th at 11 am at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Rumson First Aid.
