Biography: Mary Ellen Pyle, also known as “Mellon” to friends and family, died at her home on December 26, 2021. She was where she most loved being—with her partner Justin Slarks, his children, Miles, Ruby, and Claudia, and their rescue dogs, Willie and Phoebe.
 
Mary Ellen was born on July 6, 1967, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Rebecca Teeter Thompson and Ronald Montgomery Pyle. She graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1985 and attended the University of Colorado at Boulder. She received her BFA degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
 
In her petite stature was a robust and vibrant spirit. Her imagination was limitless, and her wisdom was beyond her years. Her laughter was infectious, and her sense of humor was sly and disarming. Her readiness for an adventure was well known. And as her brother likes to say, “She meant very much to many people without many people.”
 
She is preceded in death by her beloved stepfather, Reed Thompson. She is survived by her mother, Rebecca Teeter Thompson; father, Ronald Montgomery Pyle (Patty); sister Susan Pyle Williams (Vern); brothers Jonathan Reed Thompson and Benjamin Quincey Thompson (Mary); nieces Katie Williams and June Thompson; nephew Milo Thompson.
 
Our deepest appreciation goes to the Arkansas Hospice Home Care team for their tender attention to her needs.
Memorial donations may be made to the animal-rescue organization or conservation group of your choice.
 
Because we find ourselves once again taking COVID precautions, a gathering to remember and celebrate Mary Ellen will be held at a later date.