Ellie Fox

Nov 25, 1932 – Jan 28, 2026

Eleanor Joan Smiddy was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, 1932, to John and Mary Smiddy in Somerville, MA. It truly was a day of thanks, as she was the first live birth after several stillbirths for the Smiddys. Eleanor attended parochial schools and graduated from Saint Clements High in 1950.

Eleanor then enrolled in the pre-med program at Tufts University. After months of not receiving promised scholarships, she quit and enlisted in the military, where she thought she’d get her medical training. As luck would have it, she was instead assigned to the first flight of female air traffic controllers in the USAF! She was so proud of this service until the day she died. She sported a t-shirt that said “I’m the Veteran, not the Veteran's wife.”

While serving in the military, she met and married Derl Fox. They went on to have 4 children, John, Shirley, Mike, and Sue. As a military family, they regularly relocated both at home and abroad until retiring in Mountain Home, ID.

Ellie, as she was best known, was a proficient swimmer, even giving lessons at Tufts and later in England. She excelled at bowling, earning countless awards and accolades. While her children were growing up, she was their biggest booster at their many events. She was an avid sports fan, planning her day based on televised games for the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Cubs. Puzzles kept her mind active in the quiet times.

Most importantly, Ellie was a very kind, caring, and generous person. She gave to more charities than she should have; she just couldn’t say no to the requests for help. Her favorites were any and all Veterans groups and the Idaho Humane Society.

Eleanor is survived by her daughters, Shirley Ridley (Chuck), Susan Rodolosi (Bill Mabry), grandchildren Jason Ridley, Tiffany Moore, Sammie Lawrence, and Matt Fox. Many great-grandchildren, sister Mary McNamara, and daughter-in-laws Marilyn Fox and Cindy Petersen Crenshaw-Martin. She was affectionately called “Aunt Ellie” by the Bossler and Schindele children.

Ellie was preceded in death by her husband, Derl, and her sons John and Mike. Parents John & Mary Smiddy and brother Patrick Smiddy, along with countless other relatives and friends.

A private service was held at Mountain View Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank Bobbie Spencer and her staff at Journeys Hospice for their care, compassion, and kindness. Also, thanks to the Elmore LTC unit.

Eleanor, we love you to pieces.