Lucille Ellis

Mary Lucille Whisenant Ellis, 93, a lifetime resident of Sloan Community in San Saba, Texas, passed away surrounded by loved ones at her ranch home September 10, 2012. Mrs. Ellis was a descendent of Texas pioneer families, born to Elmo Volney and Alice Susan Woods Whisenant on August 6, 1919. After graduation, she visited with her sister in California. When she returned to Texas by train, Joe picked her up in San Antonio. Uncle Pete Sloan needed someone to help gather bulls and hired Lucille saying that she would be as good as anyone else. She helped with the ranch work and on October 18, 1941, she married the love of her life, Joe H. Ellis, Sr. They celebrated 44 years of marriage before his death in 1985. She was then left to run the ranch, which she did like a true Texas Ranch woman. Even in her final days, she was telling her son what should be done. Her cattle won many first place trophies at the sales. Lucille had many talents which included making beautiful wedding cakes, being a seamstress for her girls' recital dresses, etc., painting beautiful oil paintings and ceramics, doing crafts of all kinds, and was one of the best cooks in the county. She was a member of the New Hope Presbyterian Church in the Sloan Community where she served as an elder among many other capacities. She was also an active member and served as President of the San Saba County Historical Museum. History was important to her. She collected and assembled volumes of family and county articles dating back years and years. Lucille retained a wealth of knowledge and everyone came to her for information. The United Daughters of the Confederacy welcomed and honored her as the newest and oldest member in January. 2010. Her family was the highlight of her life. She often remarked that she was so proud that she had raised a family that never uttered a cross word to each other. Joe and Lucille were blessed with five children. She is survived by three daughters: Sylvia Taylor, of Georgetown, TX; Mary Jo and Armand Smith, of Clovis, NM; Cheryl and Mike Hinyard of Breckenridge, TX; and one son, Joe H. Ellis., Jr. and Kathy of San Saba, TX; ten grandchildren: Mike and Patti Taylor of Spring Branch, TX; Lige Anne and Richard Wilson of Georgetown, TX; Kim Taylor of Georgetown, TX; Will Harkey of Waco, TX; Cody and Angie Sanderson of Rowlet, TX; Jared and Sundi Sanderson of Levelland, TX; Stephanie and Chase Mills of Benton, LA; Joe Ellis III of San Saba, TX; Dustin and Shana Hinyard of Cross Plains, TX; and Brittany and J.D. Wilkerson of DeLeon, TX; twelve great-grandchildren: Garrett Taylor, Jennifer Rianne and Kyle Simank; Tommy Wilson; Mitchel Sanderson; Stephanie McDowell; Brianne Sanderson; Sarah Sanderson; Kiana Sanderson; Leigha Sanderson; Colt Sanderson, Averi Sanderson, Lylah Mills; and 5th generation great-great grandson , Barrett Simank. Also, Lucille is survived by special caregiver and niece Kathy Oliver of San Saba, TX and special nephew Jon and Karen Bell, of Raleigh, NC as well as numerous nieces and nephews .She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one son, Thomas Sloan Ellis, and two sisters, Elizabeth (Betty) Bell and Willie Bob Caple Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers along with Jon Bell and Chad Oliver. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Heritage Funeral Home with Dr. John Davenport Officiating. Interment will be In the Sloan Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Lucille's name to Sloan Cemetery %Kathy Oliver, 7090 CR 308, San Saba, TX 76877 or the San Saba County Historical Museum% David Williams, P.O. Box 242. San Saba, TX 76877

Lucille Ellis

August 6, 1919 - September 10, 2012