Elaine Ellis

Elaine Ellis, 93, died on March 23, 2018. She was born in Benavides, Texas and was raised in several small ""oil towns"" and later in Corpus Chirsti, Texas. Her early life was difficult growing up in a somewhat dysfunctional environment. She had a twin sister and each girl provided much needed support for each other. After high school both girls worked for two years to save enough money to afford college. A year later, she married James Carroll Bell, a medical student. She worked as a secretary until his studies were completed. After Dr. Bell's graduation, they moved to Denver for Dr. Bell's internship and medical residency at Colorado General Hospital. Again, Elaine worked as a secretary during this time. Subsequently, Dr. Bell and Elaine lived in Puerto Rico where Dr. Bell served as an army medical officer. During this period, Dr. Bell developed amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Dr. Bell died in 1960 and Elaine was left with four small children. She went back to work as a school secretary; her school principal encouraged her to return to college and become a teacher. She graduated from Denver University and began a 25 year career as a successful grammar school teacher in the Denver school system. During this period she obtained a master's degree and completed course credits towards a doctorate degree. Elaine married Dr. Phillip Ellis in 1968 and they had a very happy marriage of almost 50 years. They traveled widely and visited most parts of the world. Elaine maintained a positive attitude despite her many hardships. She was a popular people person with a warm smile and was well liked. She was preceded in death by two sons: Michael and Robert. Survivors include her husband, a daughter Rebecca, son James, two grandchildren, Michael and Johnathan, and a great grandchild Lucas. Memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at 11 am, Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave. Please share memories of Elaine and condolences with her family in the Guestbook.