Eleanor Marie "Ellaree" Clonts

1957 - 2025

Eleanor "Ellaree" Marie Ennis Clonts, 68, of Murphy, NC passed away Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.
Ellaree, born Oct. 9, 1957, was a native and lifelong resident of Cherokee County, N.C. She was raised in Andrews, N.C., by her parents, the late Marion and Eleanor Ennis.
She was a lifelong member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Andrews, N.C. Ellaree dedicated 39 years of work to Cherokee County Schools as the Payroll & Benefits Officer where she was known for her hard work, dependability and kind spirit.
Ellaree loved going to Holden Beach on the North Carolina coast, where she spent summers with her grandmother growing up, and then later with her own family. She always enjoyed watching TV in the evenings especially "The Andy Griffith Show," "Everybody Loves Raymond," and her favorite crime dramas while working on beautiful cross stitch projects and writing a poem every now and then.
She was a proud sister of the ZTA Sorority at Western Carolina University. She served in the past as vice president of the Midget Mite Football League and six years as the president of the Quarterback Club at Murphy High School. She served on the board of the State Employee's Credit Union and was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Ellaree was deeply involved in her community and was always the first to lend a hand or find a solution when someone needed help.
Family was always the heart of Ellaree's world. She loved being a wife, mother, "Booboober," and cherishing every moment spent with her family. Above all she was a devoted grandmother. Her grandchildren were her driving force for the past few years. She especially loved the holidays – her home filled with laughter, the smell of baking and the joy of having everyone together.
Ellaree is survived by her loving husband, Winfield Clonts; three sons – Brandon Clonts with his wife, Cristen; Adam Clonts with his wife, Kayla; and Logan Clonts with his wife, Mariel Borromeo; three cherished grandchildren: Holden, James and Harbour, who were her greatest joy; one brother, Giles Ennis with his wife, Pam; sister-in-law, Judy Baker with her husband, Roger; her brother-in-law ,Walter Clonts with his wife, Aggie; and brother-in-law, Winston Clonts. She is also survived by nephews, Greg Ennis, Jeff Ennis, Benjamin Baker, Dustin Clonts; and her niece, Amanda Brickhouse; along with many other extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.
Funeral services were held at 1 pm. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Murphy First United Methodist Church with Pastor Wil Posey officiating. Burial was in Shady Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers were Benjamin Baker, Jeff Ennis, Greg Ennis, Dustin Clonts, Matt Picon and Ken Marasco. Honorary pallbearers included Tim Sells, Preston Allen, Dean Mashburn, David Gentry and Bill Gaither.
The family received friends from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, at Murphy First United Methodist Church.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at townson-rose.com.