Ella Ruth Bedgood

Ella Ruth Bedgood nee Nelson, born on March 22, 1938, in Hallsville, Texas, to Jimmie Nelson and Bertha "Faye" Strange Nelson passed away on February 26, 2025, in Houston, Texas, after a prolonged illness.
Ella married Calvin Leroy Bedgood on June 24, 1960, in Houston at the Rice University Chapel. For almost 48 years they shared a life full of love and joy, blessed with three children: Brenda Joyce (1962 - 2022), Jana Karen (born 1963), and Brent Ray (born 1970).
Ella and Calvin lived and worked in Houston, Texas after their marriage, and later spent several years in Rosenberg, Texas. In 1967, they moved to Atlanta, Texas, where they lived for many years until Calvin's passing in 2008.
Ella earned her nursing degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch- Galveston. She dedicated many years to serving others as a registered nurse in Houston and later in Linden, Texas. In the 1970s she obtained a teaching certificate from East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas, and went on to teach Health Occupations in the Atlanta Independent School District until her retirement in 1998. Ella enjoyed teaching young people and was beloved and remembered fondly by her students. A few of these students were her caretakers in later years.
Family was important to Ella. She spent many years going to the Bickham Family and Strange Family reunions. She could be expected to bring her tasty 7 Layer Delight, a ready laugh, and a welcoming spirit. The photo albums were filled over the years from legendary family events. She was a wonderful cook and was generous in sharing her recipes.
Ella was also active in the Teacher's Retirement group, Atlanta Women's Club, and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Atlanta. She and Calvin were also active in a camping group with her sisters and their husbands for years into their retirement.
Twin sisters, Bonnie Miller and Connie Metcalf survive Ella; as does daughter Jana Gwinn (Jim) and son Brent Bedgood (Juli); and her favorite granddaughter, Caylee Ruth Bedgood. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Ella Ruth will be remembered for her dedicated care of others, her passion for teaching, and her gentle manner. She will be missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
Ella Ruth Bedgood's life was marked by her dedication to caring for others and her passion for teaching. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.
A visitation will be held from Noon to 1:30 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hanner's Funeral Home located at 103 W Main St, Atlanta, Texas.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Pine Crest Cemetery in Atlanta, Texas, where she will be memorialized with her husband, Calvin Bedgood, her daughter Brenda Brown, and her father, Jimmie Nelson.