Ellen Jane Brooks Miyagawa, local historian, writer and community leader, died peacefully at her home, Melrose, in Fluvanna County, VA, on Thursday, June 22, 2006, after a protracted struggle with ovarian cancer. 
    She was born November 19, 1934 in Marshall, MI, daughter of Thomas E. Brooks and the late Blanche Price Burgess.
    Ellen is survived by her father of Coronado, CA; Robert, her loving husband of 50 years of Palmyra; son John Miyagawa and wife Catherine of Catonsville, MD; daughter Kay Ennis and husband Bill of Mill Spring, NC.  She is also survived by grandchildren Tucker and Trevor Ennis and MaryBeth and Sharon Miyagawa, and by a special aunt, Mary A. Fopeano of Kalamazoo, MI.  She also leaves many devoted friends who gave her strength and love.
    Ellen graduated from Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI.  In 1955 she and Bob married and lived in many locations during his Navy career: Hutchinson, KS; Coronado, CA; Whidbey Island, WA; Monterey, CA; Annapolis, MD; East Greenwich, RI; Kailua, HI; Seal Beach, CA; and Virginia Beach, VA.
    In 1978 Ellen and Bob moved to Fluvanna County and restored the antebellum Melrose.  Ellen held many offices, including President of the Fluvanna Garden Club and Fluvanna Historical Society.  She had many interests, including historic preservation, research and writing, art, flowers and gardening, and cooking.
    She was recognized as the 2003 Citizen of the Year by the Fluvanna Farm Bureau, and was honored by APVA/Preservation Virginia as Preservationist of the Year in 2004.
    A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on July 1 at Bethel Baptist Church, Fluvanna County.  The family will receive friends following the service in the church social hall.  A private burial service will be held at Seay’s Chapel United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers, Ellen wished donations to be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 2200 Old Ivy Rd., Suite 2, Charlottesville 22903 or to Caring for Creatures, 352 Sanctuary Lane, Palmyra 22963.
    Thacker Bros, Scottsville is in charge of arrangements.