EAST WORCESTER – Ellen May (Shepherd) Van Dyke "Grandma", 81, passed away Sunday, December 18, 2011 at home with her family at her side.

She was born May 13, 1930 in Middletown, NY, the daughter of Albert and May (Lent) Shepherd.

She graduated from Middletown High School in 1948. After graduation she worked as a Secretary in the Middletown Footwear Factory where she met her husband, Willis.

She married Willis "Bing" Van Dyke January 8, 1950 in Middletown. He predeceased her in 2007.

She moved from Orange County New York in 1965, where she and Willis bought a farm on Center Valley Road in Worcester and farmed for many years while raising their children.

Ellen loved being with her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and family.

She had a great love for cats, reading, puzzle books and television.

She is survived by her son, Steven Van Dyke and wife, Linda of East Worcester; two daughters, June Van Dyke of Bryan, Texas and Mary Krukowski of Little Falls; three grandchildren, Rhonda Shaw, Christopher Krukowski and Samantha Krukowski; six great-grandchildren, Jordon Beverland, Devon Blood, Kaytlyn Jowett, Dakota Jowett, Ella Anderson, and Isabelle Krukowski; a sister-in-law, Annabelle Knapp and her husband, Clarence; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2011 at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester, with the Rev. Susan Wenner, pastor of the Worcester United Methodist Church, officiating.

There will be no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of Ellen to the Catskill Area Hospice, 795 East Main St., Suite 11, Cobleskill, NY 12043 or the East Worcester Fire Department, PO Box 781, East Worcester, NY 12064.

Condolences may be sent to, www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com

Arrangements are under the guidance of the E.J. Skinner Co., 155 Main St., Worcester.