Bettina Marie Groome Ellsworth, MD, entered into God’s eternal care on March 6th, 2026, aged 76, at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford, Pennsylvania, surrounded by family. She was a loving, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and a dedicated and caring physician.
Tina was born in 1949 in Richmond, Virginia, to Clifford O. Groome, Jr. and Vivian M. (Moles) Groome, devoted parents and prominent members of their community. As a child, Tina developed close family ties and cultivated passions for reading, cooking, and sewing. Inspired by teachers and family, she was motivated to pursue a career in medicine.
Tina graduated valedictorian from Highland Springs High School. She began her college studies at Virginia Tech and finished her undergraduate work at the University of Richmond, earning Phi Beta Kappa and other honors. She went on to earn her Doctor of Medicine at the Medical College of Virginia and complete her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at South Baltimore General Hospital in Maryland. As a woman and mother with two children prior to finishing medical school, Tina overcame substantial challenges to succeed in what was then a male-dominated profession.
Tina established her OB/GYN practice in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, developing a reputation as a highly competent medical professional who was esteemed by her colleagues. She served the women and families of South Central Pennsylvania and nearby Maryland for over thirty years. She was both partner and mentor to colleagues at Gettysburg Hospital, serving on the hospital’s board. Tina was a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and received numerous awards for her service locally, nationally, and internationally. She volunteered her expert services to care for patients and train doctors overseas in locations like Honduras, India, and Thailand, and also in remote communities in Alaska.
Tina met the love of her life, Lee Ellsworth, in 1993. Tina and Lee shared passions for travel, family, community, and Christian fellowship. Excited to start their new lives together, the two were married in 1994 at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg.
In her younger days, Tina was not fond of house pets. However, later in life and during marriage to Lee, she came to love dogs and enjoy their company, treating them like family. Their playful, gregarious dog, Samson, continues to be a source of joy and comfort for Lee, the family, and their community friends.
Though dedicated to work and family, Tina had a wide network of friends that she kept in contact with from college days and work, including Becky Morton, who met Tina in 1967, studied with her at Virginia Tech, and later introduced her to her brother, Lee Ellsworth.
Previously in regular attendance at St James Lutheran Church, Tina and Lee later joined the Faith Community of the Brethren Home at Cross Keys Village, New Oxford. Inspired by Brethren volunteers, Tina devoted time and energy to this community, including contributing to events like the annual Love Feast and driving the Village transport shuttle.
Though she was a busy physician up to her retirement, Tina’s favorite role was grandmother. She treasured time with her grandkids and loved being their grandma, always providing a warm welcome with beautiful, wholesome food and striving to pass on family traditions and skills. Of particular note for her visiting grandkids were her “grandma rolls” — a favorite for all generations.
Tina’s family was her greatest source of joy — she was well known for organizing and preparing festive meals and gatherings for her extended family and friends. She was a prolific reader — she loved mysteries, crime novels, and whodunits. Tina had a passion for sewing, and after retirement, she regularly volunteered her services as a seamstress at Cross Keys Village, modifying the clothing of friends, neighbors, and staff. Tina will be remembered for her generosity, work ethic, tenacity, and focus on detail. One could not have asked for a more diligent physician or more devoted parent, grandparent, and wife. Her memory will live on in the hearts of those blessed to know her.
Tina is survived by her husband of more than 30 years, Lee Shamburger Ellsworth; her brother, Clifford Talmond Groome; her sister-in-law, Virginia; her children from two marriages: Raymond, Clifford, Sandra, and Michael; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Professional services have been entrusted to Dugan Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 111 S. Main Street in Bendersville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society (American Cancer Society).
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