Ellie Moore Anscheutz
1944 – 2024
Highlanders, you’ll no doubt remember the welcoming smile that could light up the sky. Ellie has always remained one of my most precious friends. How many hours in high school and beyond we sat up singing, sharing confidences and the giggles.
Married first to Bill Owens of Piedmont, they had two terrific sons, Bill (my beloved godson) and JJ. A half century ago (yes, we are THAT old, dear classmates) she met the love of her life, Chuck Anscheutz in Santa Barbara and they were happily together for the rest of hers. My husband Misha and I had some hilarious weekends there with them. When Misha’s brother and sister-in-law visited from Russia, Ellie and Chuck took it upon themselves to introduce them not just to Santa Barbara from his fishing boat, but to wonders they’d never heard of in Russia, like oysters, abalone and home-made tamales.
Ellie’s house, with a front door that was never locked, was symbolic of the warm, open-hearted way Ellie lived her lived her life. JJ just reminded me that she was loving Mom to all their friends, the home where the kids all wanted to be - long after their school days. In her last years she took great joy in her granddaughters, Dani and Nora. Beautiful (no exaggeration) girls. From childhood, Ellie was rarely without a springer spaniel or two and was instrumental in finding homes for springers nationwide.
Ellie, I’ll miss you. So many will.
- Sue Gross
Gigi Kessler (De Feo)
Remembering such wonderful times I had with Ellie. From studying together after high school and when we were both married and living in Oakland before she moved. I worked for her dad in the stock market and she was so much like him. She had a big heart. She will be missed. But, as long as we all have memories, she will live on.
Gigi DeFeo
Lindsay Hafer (Carpenter)
My Aunt, Midge Lindsay's Mom, was a Cal sorority sister of Ellie's Mom, Billie Moore, so I met Ellie when we were about 6 years old and they lived in Montclair. One of the Moore's dogs was having puppies and Midge and I got to watch. That was the beginning of a life long friendship. I loved Ellie's laugh, her energy and her attitude of fun. When I'd be in Santa Barbara to do training at our Nordstrom store there, I'd always try to set up a chance to see Ellie. We would reminisce about our younger days and bring each other up to date. It would always make the visit extra special. A bright light has been extinguished here but is shining brightly in heaven. Lindsay Hafer Carpenter