Ellen Frances (Bradford) Van Wert

Ellen was a descendant of the Bradford family that landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts, in 1620. She was born in Phoenix to John and Clarice Bradford as the oldest in a family of six. Always curious about everything, she constantly challenged her parents and siblings to think outside the box and discover new things around the house and out in nature. As a young person, she learned the piano and became a skilled concert pianist sought after to accompany musicians and choirs all the way through college.

After graduating from ASU with a degree in mathematics, she became interested in the emerging field of computer technology, applying herself to scientific applications, working with engineers and scientists in the oil, space, and business industries on some of the most advanced computers at the time. Her work took her to other places like Indiana, Illinois, and Florida, where she found her second love, which was the retail business in the hardware industry. Always interested in numbers, she developed a skill in accounting and business management for herself and others.

Even though she made a career for herself in places other than Arizona, her desire was to always return to her beloved Arizona. In 1995, she did just that and worked in various positions of accounting, finance, and business.

But her love for retail won out when she discovered Cottonwood, Arizona, in 2002 and established Jim & Ellen's Rock Shop on Oldtown Main Street. She is best remembered as the manager of that well-known business for over 20 years alongside her husband of over 63 years. Ellen never met a customer or friend of that store that she did not take a personal interest in and make them feel special. Ellen didn't just sell rocks; rather, she shared a piece of her beloved Arizona. She surely misses her customer friends as much as they miss her. Especially her 'Pond' friends on her morning walks at Dead Horse Ranch SP.

She is survived by four siblings, their families, her husband, her son, two grandsons, their families, and her first great-granddaughter, named Lyla.

Ellen requested that there be no formal memorial or service on her behalf.

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