Lela Belle Ellis, 88, died Friday, March 19, 2010, at her home in Graff.
She was born July 18, 1921, in Texas County, daughter of E.S. and Lennie B. Burch Baty. She and David Benson Ellis were married Oct. 12, 1940. He died Oct. 11, 1980.
She was raised in the Bendavis area and attended Logan and Alice County schools and Houston School. Her father was a circuit-riding preacher. She accepted the Lord as her Savior at a young age and joined the Hickory Ridge Church.
She worked alongside her husband on their farm. She also worked for H.D. Lee in Houston and following retirement, she helped her son with dairy chores such as feeding calves.
She loved to sew and made many quilts for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed watching birds, especially hummingbirds. She enjoyed going to church and was a longtime member of Friendship Baptist Church. She loved visiting with her family and friends and especially looked forward to seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a husband, David; a daughter, Bennie Kay Klingensmith in 1969; a grandson; two great-great grandchildren; and a sister, Esther Murr.
Survivors include a son, David Timothy Ellis of Graff; a daughter, Donna Black of Hartville; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; a great-great grandchild; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were Monday, March 22, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove with the Rev. Melvin Napier officiating. Burial was in Hillcrest Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
