MIDDLETOWN, Calif. – Ellen G. Heath, 82, passed away on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, surrounded by loved ones.

Ellen Louise Galbraith was born on March 30, 1932, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Robert and Louise Galbraith.

Ellen spent her youth in Orinda, Calif., where she attended Acalanes High School in Lafayette. She attended UC Berkeley and East Contra Costa Junior College before transferring to Chico State where she received her teaching degree.

She married Dale Jensen in 1953 and moved to Lake County to begin her teaching career. Ellen taught both elementary and high school but her favorite age group and where she is most remembered is as a kindergarten teacher.

Ellen retired from teaching after she married Milton Heath in 1984. She became immersed in contributing to the family’s businesses, including Nova Vineyards in Kelseyville and Superior Propane in Williams, Ariz.

It was also her vision, drive and determination that lead to the creation of Novavine, a grapevine nursery located in Santa Rosa, Calif., where she served as president.

Ellen grew up with a love of horses, participating in horse shows in her early life, owning horses and riding often in her mid-life and attending rodeos and horse shows at every opportunity.

Ellen was active in the Lake County Chapter of California Women for Agriculture and the Lake County Republican Women Federated. She also was a charter member of the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise.

In addition to business, Milton and Ellen spent their time having fun. Whether it was dancing at a local charity event, traveling to places including Australia, Italy and Turkey, spending three years touring the United States in their motor home, enjoying a glass of wine or riding the Orient Express, she valued spending time with her family, close friends and dogs.

Ellen is survived by her husband of 29 years, Milton Heath; her son, Jay Jensen; daughters, Jill Jensen and Lindie Rodgers; sons, Lonny Heath and Larry Heath; her sister, Jean Derrington of Australia; many beautiful grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Rotary Club of Sebastopol Sunrise or your favorite charity.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 10, at the Middletown Lions Club, 15399 Central Park Road, Middletown.

Please sign Ellen’s online guest book at www.jonesandlewis.com .