Lauretta F. Ellis, 77, entered this life March 12, 1934, near Goodhope, Mo., to parents Preston and Effie Ethel Harper Williams.
She passed from this life May 8, 2011, at Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center where she had resided a short time.
On July 18, 1952, she was united in marriage to John L. Ellis, in Rock Island, Ill. In 1978 they moved to Douglas County where they enjoyed life in the country.
Lauretta was no stranger to hard work as she and John raised three girls. Whether she was working around a farm or as a waitress; around the home or as the business owner of an upholstery shop, one thing was always evident: her willingness to tackle any task and do it well. She was well known for her outstanding work in upholstering. She had the gift of taking an old worn out piece of furniture and making it a useful item of beauty.
She enjoyed being around people and was a good friend to many. She was always willing to help others.
She was generous to her friends and her favorite charities. She was a person of straightforward speech, often telling John what to do. A favorite family memory is that she insisted that the family all gather around the dinner table every night.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Olean Williams and Jerry Williams; two sisters, Mary Boner and Dorothy Lafferty; as well as her stepmother, Genoba Williams and stepbrother, Charlie.
Lauretta is survived by her husband, John; and three daughters, Diana L. Fierce, Donna M. Palmer and Beverly S. Bellm. She is also survived by five stepsisters, Barbara, Pauline, Ruby, Thelma and Brenda; and one stepbrother, Rick. She will be greatly missed by a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, May 12, at 2 p.m., in the Ava Family Funeral Home chapel with Pastor David Revelle officiating. Burial will follow in the Goodhope Cemetery.
Visitation was Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ava Funeral Home Chapel.
All arrangements are under the care and direction of Ava Family Funeral Home.
