Obituary of Cheryle A. Ellsworth

Cheryle A. Ellsworth, 55, of Malta, beloved wife of 33 years to David J. “Dave” Ellsworth, peacefully entered into eternal life surrounded by her loving family at home on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Born in Schenectady, NY, she was the daughter of Barry (Patricia) Schmidt and the late Pamela (late, John) Lloyd Schmidt Saunders and was a graduate of Shenendehowa High School, Class of 1988.

Cheryle spent most of her childhood growing up in Mississippi with her sister Anne, father Barry and step-mother Patty. She loved going out in the boat, she really loved to water ski, she survived many pranks from her father, and to the surprise of many, even enjoyed racing cars now and again.

When Cheryle moved to New York in her sophomore year of high school, it didn’t take long for her to find the love of her life. Her husband, Dave, to this day recalls every detail of the very first time he laid eyes on her. From that day forward, the two have been inseparable. To no surprise, Cheryle found a way to fit right in and in addition to finding her soulmate, made some life-long friends that she cherished until her final day.

After high school, Cheryle and Dave very quickly got their own place and embarked on their journey through life together, spending time in several different apartments where she secretly loved some of their supernatural tales. After getting married in 1993, Cheryle and Dave bought their first and only home, where Cheryle spent many of the best days of her life. What at first was just a little camp on the lake quickly became the centerpiece for her family and countless friends. Cheryle loved to host and was always willing to take on more just so everyone could be together creating memories, laughing, and enjoying good food. She always made sure everyone was celebrated and created a home where everyone was welcomed.

Cheryle loved her boys more than anything in the world. She loved being a mom, she loved turning her house into a home, she loved being a care taker, and wanted everyone to know how proud she was of them. Even when they insisted she didn’t “need to make a big deal about it”, she quite happily did anyway. She never missed a chance to celebrate them. Cheryle had such special, close relationships with all of her boys, and they may have enjoyed giving her a hard time every now and again. But don’t worry, there’s a good chance she reciprocated. One of her favorite things to do with them was laugh, whether it was all together or just her boys finding humor in her famously messed up and/or sent back food orders.

When it came to spending time with her family, Cheryle loved going out in her boat, lounging in her pool, playing games, and hosting parties, especially her annual Chowderfest. Cheryle also loved attending her boys’ games and matches throughout their childhood. She was always willing to volunteer and cherished those long days watching her boys compete. She was the best cheerleader for them.

As time went on, Cheryle was lucky enough to become a grandmother (Nani) to three beautiful grandbabies – Waylon, Rosie, and Daisy. The joy it brought Cheryle to spend time with, spoil, and love those grandchildren was so special, and will be cherished by her family for eternity. She was the best at clothes shopping for them, giving them surprises, making it her mission to make all their holidays and birthdays special, but what she was really great at was making them smile. She never passed on an opportunity to make a memory with them.

Professionally, Cheryle worked for multiple law firms, the Ballston Spa Middle School, and most recently, Saratoga County Mental Health Services. Throughout her career, the thing that always brought her the most joy was helping others. She was beloved everywhere she went, but most notably, at the Ballston Spa Middle School. Cheryle always went above and beyond for those around her, students and staff alike. She always looked out for those who were less fortunate and never missed a chance to put a smile on somebody’s face and make their day. She volunteered for football games, dances, and many other events and was always thrilled to see her students and members of the community.

Cheryle was such a special woman. She will always be remembered for lighting up every room she walked into, her laugh, her smile, her love for her family, and love for everyone around her. She will be remembered as a fighter, not only for her remarkable battle against cancer but for fighting for the people in her life that may not have been as fortunate or felt like they didn’t have a voice. She will be remembered for her confidence, always encouraging others and supporting them through difficult times. She will be remembered for her beauty, her compassion, and her grace. But most importantly, Cheryle will be remembered as a dear friend, a wife, a mother, and a grandmother.

Cheryle is survived by her beloved husband Dave, three sons Jacob D. (Jenna) Ellsworth, Benjamin D. (Jesse) Ellsworth and Zachary D. Ellsworth, three grandchildren Waylon, Rosie and Daisy Ellsworth, sister Anne (Joseph) Gorman, father Barry (Patricia) Schmidt, mother-in-law of Shirley Baker Ellsworth, brother-in-law James Ellsworth, sister-in-laws Julie (Fred) DeVoe and Theresa (Peter) Iwanczko, and several nieces, nephews and their loving families.

Relatives and friends are invited to the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 RT-9, Clifton Park, NY 12065 on Saturday for Calling Hours from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and to the funeral service that will be offered there that afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

Cheryle’s family would like to offer their most sincere gratitude to all of you as well as Saratoga Oncology, who have provided them with cards, flowers, meals, and loving support during her valiant and hard-fought battle with cancer.

For those desiring, you may make a memorial contribution to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, located at 6010 County Farm Rd., Ballston Spa, NY 12020 or at https://friendsofscas.org/make-a-donation/ in memory of Cheryle A. Ellsworth. If you’d like to notify the family of your donation, you can use the email jbzworth@gmail.com as the notification recipient.

Please feel free to Share a Memory with Cheryle’s family on her Tribute Wall.