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Lorraine Ellis Obituary
Age 97, died Thursday, May 10, 2007 in Sacramento, CA. Born in St. Louis, MO, July 23, 1909, Lorraine was the daughter of two rural school teachers who had come to the ''big city'' from nearby farms in Illinois-William H. Pope and Henrietta J. Piggott.
In 1930, Lorraine graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in Business Administration. She worked as an accountant for the Union Electric Company, Luth and Sons Contracting and the University of Missouri. In 1969, she and her husband, Roland Ellis, opened a gas station in the south St. Louis neighborhood where Roland grew up. After Roland died in 1982, Lorraine ran the station by herself for three years before moving to California.
After her move, Lorraine took to the road, traveling extensively in the U.S. and abroad. Athletically inclined, she had competed in women's basketball and archery in college, and walked regularly into her late 80s. At 85, she took up kayaking with her daughter, although she preferred being a passenger to paddling. Together they explored Lake Natomas, Tomales Bay, north coast rivers, and quiet sections of Alaska's Inland Passage.
A sociable woman, Lorraine made friends easily and loved all kinds of music, singing, dancing, the outdoors, bridge, flowers and food. Ice cream and cookies were a particular favorite. Other hobbies included making quilts for her grandchildren, weaving, painting, and volunteering for Sacramento's Camellia Symphony.
Lorraine was an active alumnus of Alpha Xi Delta sorority, serving as province president for a number of years in the 1950s. She treasured many Alpha Xi friends in both Sacramento and St. Louis.
Lorraine is survived by her daughter, Carole Barnes, three grandchildren, Laurie and Will Barnes and Eric Bush, and four great-grandchildren, Ilana and Aaron Sheats, Liona Barnes and Andrea Bush. Remembrances may be made to the Parkside Community Church building fund or a charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lorraine Ellis
Eric, Debbie, y Andrea Bush
May 27, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Carole. It was really great to be able to spend some time with Lorraine just last month. At 97 her charming personality, warm heart, and personable nature still shone brightly. I appreciate the stories and pictures you have shared of her life and the many wonderful moments you shared with her.
Karen Donner
May 18, 2007
Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Roland were always a positive influence in my life. They honored Jim and me by serving as loving, concerned godparents to our daughter, Lynn.
Aunt Lorraine was a role model for her many nieces. The whole Ellis family benefited from her kindness.
She was the one who influenced me in my fascination with genealogy. I remember the trips we took to Indiana and Illinois in pursuit of stories of our ancestors.
Kayaking in California with Carole and Aunt Lorraine is a special memory for Jim and me.
I will always hold memories of this very special, strong, classy and caring lady in my mind and heart. Most of all I will remember and miss her special laughter and the smile in her voice as she answered the phone or hugged you with a smile and a giggle as a greeting.
Tom Gordon
May 17, 2007
I will always treasure my memories of times spent with Aunt Lorraine and Uncle Roland. While saddened at her passing, I celebrate her rich and full life. I extend my sympathy to Carole and her family, and I look forward to seeing her again soon.
Julie Ellis-Dooley
May 17, 2007
Aunt Lorraine was a dear, sweet lady and will be missed by the entire family. I will treasure the handmade pillow from her that she signed and dated for me. My sympathies to Carole and family.
Love,
Gene Barnes
May 16, 2007
I shall always remember Lorraine as a fine person, very well-educated and kind to others. I enjoyed the many conversations I had with her very much.
Cathy Ellis
May 16, 2007
Dearest Aunt Lorraine was a savior and inspiration to me. She always encouraged me in my pursuit of higher education. Her ready smile and gentle heart are something I have found comfort in often. I have her framed picture in my array of family photos, and I can't help but smile when I see hers. I always remember how much pleasure she found at our family reunions. She loved being surrounded by her extended family. Her love was felt by all of us, I am sure. I will miss her greatly, but I know she looks over all of us. My heart goes out to Carole and her family.
xoxo
Tracey Turner
May 16, 2007
I will always remember Aunt Lorraine fondly. She always had a smile and made you feel good to just be around her.
Moira Haines
May 16, 2007
Dear Lorraine,
You will be very much missed but of course you are always close to all of us in our hearts. I knew you as a lifelong friend of my mother, Avise Haines. Thank you for that beautiful friendship you gave to her and to us, her children.
It was a pleasure to know you. I think the quality that impressed me the most in you was your constant joy in life. And this is a quality you passed on to your beautiful family. Well done!
Dearest Carol and all, I offer my deepest heartfelt sympathy for you at this tender time and send all my love. What a beautiful soul we have lost from earth. She taught you well to enjoy life and go on living and I know that is what you are doing, no matter how hard it is to lose her physical presence.
My mother loved the Prophet and I suspect Lorraine did too, here are some favorite lines on Death:
"For what is it to die but to stand naked in the wind and to melt into the sun?
And what is to cease breathing, but to free the breath from its restless tides, that it may rise and expand and seek God unencumbered?
Only when you drink form the river of silence shall you indeed sing.
And when you have reached the mountain top, then you shall begin to climb.
And when the earth shall claim your limbs, then shall you truly dance."
What a joy to know Lorraine is singing and dancing free now, unencumbered by a failing physiology! May the beauty and grace of life all around you soothe your hearts and bring you peace.
Ruth Blest
May 15, 2007
We'll miss you Aunt Lorraine
Aline Neumann
May 15, 2007
I Remember Larraine from Alpha Xi Delta Sorority in St. Louis. She was a friend of my Aunt - Avise Haines - also a sorority member. We have very fond memories of her. My Cousin Simon Haines lives in Sacramento and he used to visit her occasionally. We miss her very much. Aline Neumann
Paul and Sandy Bleem
May 15, 2007
Our sympathies to Carole and family.
Aunt Lorraine lived such a wonderful and fulfilled life, such an inspiration.
Carole Barnes
May 14, 2007
Dear Friends and Relatives:
The address for Parkside Community Church is 5700 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA 95822.
Don Harley
May 14, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Laurie Barnes
May 13, 2007
I will miss you Grandma, but you have given me so much love over the years and I will carry that with me always! Your quilts will always hug me and remind me of you.
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