Nancy Ellis

Nancy Ellis of Midland died peacefully on Thursday, August 28, 2008, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Nancy was born July 9, 1935, in Anson, Texas to Vernon V. and Maurine Littlefield Blackley. She moved to Morton, Texas in 1941 and attended elementary and junior high schools in Pep and graduated from Morton High School in 1953. While in high school, she participated in numerous activities including a state basketball finalist team. She earned a BBA from Hardin-Simmons University in 1957, moved to Midland, and was employed by Humble Oil & Refining Company in 1958, where she met Cecil B. Ellis. They were married on September 13, 1958, in Morton and their life together took them from Midland to Denver, Colorado, to Scottsdale, Arizona, and back to Midland. Retirement followed in Ruidoso, New Mexico for 11 years before returning to Midland again in 2006.

Always active in the community and many other activities, Nancy will be missed by countless friends and acquaintances whose lives she touched with her kind and giving spirit. She was passionate about her family and showed it in many ways, but she was an exceptional cook and Meemaw's mashed potatoes were a family favorite. She loved cards, whether it was bridge with friends, spades, or Skip-Bo with her granddaughters. She was active in the Permian Basin Landwives Association, the Lincoln County Medical Center Hospital Auxiliary, and always very active in her church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Judith Coleman and Susan McAnnelly.

A devoted friend, daughter, wife, mother and grandmother, Nancy leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband Cecil; her three sons, Col. Earl Bryan Ellis and his wife Barb of Biloxi, MS; Edwin Lee Ellis and his wife Tracy; Bradley Wayne Ellis and his wife Amanda, all of Midland. Eight granddaughters will forever miss their biggest fan; whether it is basketball, soccer, swimming or other activity none had a bigger supporter than their beloved Meemaw. Granddaughters are Micah Ellis of Hollywood, California; Haley and Paige Ellis of Biloxi, MS; Beth, Megan, Foster, Logan and Wesley Ellis, all of Midland. She is also survived by her sister, Beverly Walthall and her husband Wayne of Durango, CO., and a host of extended family.

Our family would like to acknowledge the exceptional care given by the nursing professionals at Medical Center Hospital (8th floor central) in Odessa. Jane, Donna, Lori, Gilmer, Kim, Keitha, Judy, Vanessa, and Rhonda: there are no words to describe our gratitude for your compassionate care of our mother in her last days on this earth. May God richly bless you all. The family requests that memorials be directed to Manor Park, 2208 North Loop 250 W., Midland, Texas 79705, any hospice care service, or other organization of choice.

Memorial services in honor of Nancy will be held at 1:30 P.M. Tuesday, September 2, 2008 at Crestview Baptist Church with Reverend Steve Schorr officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home. To place on-line condolences please visit www.mem.com.