Kristine White Ellinger

Kristine L. White Ellinger Obituaries

Kristine L. White Ellinger, 61, of Walkersville, MD and formerly of McMinnville, Oregon died, Monday, November 8, 2010 at Kline Hospice House. She is the daughter of the late Sgt. Major George and Ellen White. Kristine was born on Camp Lee (later Fort Lee), VA. She was preceded in death by her husband John Barton Ellinger, who died unexpectedly on August 1, 2006.

She is survived by her sister, Mary and nephew David Lee Haller Jr. of Walkersville, MD; brother James, sister-in-law Beth and niece Sara White of Lake George, NY; brother Marc White of Murrels Inlet, SC; and brother Robert, sister-in-law Jennifer, nephew Robert Jr., and niece Meeghan White of Emmitsburg, MD; and uncle Thomas Meehan of Las Vegas, NV.

Kris grew up on Army bases in Virginia, Maryland, Germany, and Alaska. She was raised in a very active household enjoying all types of sports including skiing, ice skating, and swimming. Kris's involvement with Girl Scouts was extensive and she was a life guard at Fort Ricthie, MD during summers of her youth.

Kris graduated from Smithsburg High School, MD, in 1967 and graduated from the University of Maryland in 1971 with a degree in consumer economics. After working several years for the Baltimore Maryland Extension Service, she entered the University of Maryland Pharmacy School, graduating in 1977.

Kris married Bart, a University of Maryland lacrosse star who she met during her freshman year, on September 14, 1972 in Baltimore. They moved to Corvallis, Oregon in 1977 where Kris began an internship with Payless Drug Store. After her internship and part-time work in Corvallis, she was offered a pharmacist position in the McMinnville Payless Drug Store. Bart and Kris moved to McMinnville in 1978, which became their home. Kris served as the head pharmacist at Payless, and then RiteAid, for over 30 years. She prided herself on running an efficient and accurate pharmacy, stressing customer service and loyalty, along with a dedication to the pharmacy staff.

Kris and Bart loved movies, were avid readers, loved living in McMinnville, and visiting the Oregon coast and mountains. In their early years in McMinnville, they enjoyed long bicycle rides, snow skiing, hiking, and backpacking. During later years, they enjoyed decorating their home for holidays and special dinners prepared for friends.

The family will receive from 4 to 6 p.m., on Friday, November 19, 2010, at the Keeney & Basford P.A. Funeral Home, 106 East Church Street, Frederick, MD. A memorial service will begin at 5 p.m. Father Jeffery Dauses will officiate. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Kline Hospice House Fund, 7000 Kimmel Road, Mt. Airy, MD, 21771.

Online condolences may be shared at www.keeneybasford.com