does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2007) Ellen Corby Born Ellen Hansen June 3, 1911(1911-06-03) Racine, Wisconsin, U.S. Died April 14, 1999(1999-04-14) (aged 87) Woodland Hills, California, U.S. Occupation Actress Years active 1933–1997 Spouse Francis Corby (1934-1944) Ellen Corby (June 3, 1911 – April 14, 1999) was an American actress. She is most widely remembered for the role of "Grandma Esther Walton" on the CBS television series The Waltons, for which she won three Emmy Awards..