Debra Jean Ellis

Debra Jean Ellis passed away Sunday, March 12, 2023 at 9:45 pm surrounded by her family.

She is survived by her husband Vernon of Madera California, daughter Jennifer Kathleen Barcus of Fresno California, daughter Jacqueline Leigh Ordonez of Fresno California. 5 grandchildren: Elijah James Ellis of Fresno, Jarrod Tyler Ellis of Anchorage Alaska, Lauren Ybarra of Hinesville Georgia, Petra Omry Ordonez of Fresno, and Calliope Autumn Ordonez of Fresno California.

Debbie worked for Fresno Unified School District for many years. Initially she worked as a teachers aide, computer lab instructor and math tutor, then as a Resources Lab aide. She studied to become a librarian and then worked at Storey Elementary as a librarian.

After that she went to work at Instructional Media Center for FUSD for several years, until IMC shut down. Then she became an elementary school librarian at McCardle Elementary.

She retired from there in 2018.

In 2019 she was diagnosed with cancer. She was treated for several years, but it became unmanageable. In November of 2022 she became very ill, and was placed in hospice in late January of 2023.

Debbie was an avid crafter. In the 80s she made clothes for her daughters. She sewed a lot of dolls and their clothes. Her air freshener bears were a big hit! She did many craft fairs before she started working for the school district. However, she was most known for her personalized handmade cards and her crochet dish towels.

Baking was another one of her hobby's. Her chocolate chip cookies and shortbread are community favorites.

She worked tirelessly for her family. She volunteered for her daughters schools and various events. She helped raise her grandchildren. Family was the most important thing to her.

Debbie also loved singing. She was always singing along to her favorite cds in her car while she drove. Christmas music was her absolute favorite.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers that donations be made in her name to the charity of your choice.