Ella Skelton

Ella Elizabeth “Betty” Zong Skelton, 93 passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus on September 23, 2025 at Haven Hospice, Gainesville, Florida. She lived a long and full life.

She was born on March 5, 1932 in Altoona, PA to the late Catherine Mary & Robert Cleveland Zong. She was the older of two children. She was preceded in death by her parents and Brother Robert. Betty married the late Milton “Jimmy” Skelton in 1955. They spent many of their early years together in the Army living at various bases around the US and Panama. Betty was a longtime member of over 50 years at First United Methodist Church.

Betty graduated from Bellwood-Annis High School in 1950 and from the State Teacher’s College in Indiana, PA in 1954. She later attended the University of PA and also the University of Florida where she received her Master’s Degree in Education.

She taught for several years at Gainesville High School, Newberry High School and Buchholz High School in the Business Education departments. She often commented about running into her former students and how much she appreciated them remembering her.

After retirement she volunteered at First United Methodist Church heading up the Poinsettia and Cookie distribution for the many home-bound at Christmastime and was also a FUMC Greeter. She was a longtime supporter and helper of the Helping Hands program for the homeless and also a host for Family Promise. In addition, for many years, she volunteered weekly at Habitat for Humanity using her business skills in the office. Early in her retirement she traveled to many foreign countries and throughout the US and Canada.

Betty was a member of the Retired Teachers Association, the Red Hatter’s and the American Contract Bridge League where she received her Ruby Life Master Certificate. For many years of her life, bridge was her passion, sometimes playing multiple times a week and attending Bridge Cruises. She was very competitive and became a student of becoming a better Bridge Player. She was an active member of her Sunday school class New Beginnings and often spoke of the conversations her class would have and how much she enjoyed the discussions. Until the age of 92, she regularly worked out in the GYM.

She is survived by her son, David (Candy) Skelton of Gainesville, FL and two Grandchildren, Amy (Jacob) Kelley of Ponte Vedra, FL, David Tyler (Ashlen) Skelton of Old Hickory, TN and three great-grandchildren, Hoyt Kelley, Payson Ella Kelley and Quinn Elizabeth Skelton. Along with two Nephews and two Nieces from Pennsylvania.

Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Skelton family.