Obituaries

Juanita Ruth Reynolds Ellis

Photo of Juanita Ruth Reynolds Ellis
Juanita Ruth Reynolds Ellis, age 94, died Friday, March 15, 2019. Juanita, the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Ross Reynolds, has lived in Clarendon since she was two years old. Her family moved to Clarendon from Bradford, Arkansas. She also grew up in Clarendon and attended Clarendon Public Schools. In February of 1942, Juanita married her high school sweetheart, Jack Ellis. In May of that same year, Juanita graduated from Clarendon High School. Jack and Juanita have seven children, Jackie, Joe, Janet, Jerry, Judy, Johnny and James. Their fist child was named Jackie and the named their second child Joe so all four of them could have names that begin with J. After that, Juanita and her husband continued their tradition of J. names for each one of their children. As a young wife and mother, Juanita stayed at home to raise her children. She did not begin working outside her home until 1966. At that time her children were grown and away from home while three were still in high school. When the Monroe County Library opened in 1969, Juanita served as the first librarian and served in that position for 40 years until her retirement at the age of 84. Juanita was a busy mother and grandmother. Besides her job at the library she was an active member of the First Baptist Church, she was a member of the senior adult choir and activity committee. Juanita enjoyed family get togethers with her children and grandchildren as often as possible. She loved spending time with them and had a special relationship with each one. When asked about being a mother of seven, Juanita replied "At times it was hectic raising seven children, but I'm glad that I had that many. It was well worth the great memories, and I am proud of all of them. She is survived by her four sons: Joe Edward Ellis (Kitty), of Omaha, Jerry Marvin Ellis of Clarendon (Betty) of Rector, Johnny Albian Ellis (Tammy) of Clarendon, James Perry Ellis of Ferndale; Two daughter, Jackie Rogers (Jimmy) of Clarendon, Janet Tweedle (Jimmy) of Alexander, Judy McKown of Bryant; 26 grandchildren; 55 great grandchildren and 10 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jack Ellis; brothers, Clarence and Albian Reynolds; sister, Oleta Boshers. Visitation will be Monday, March 18th from 6 until 8 p.m. at Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home-Clarendon. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church at Clarendon with Rev. Joe Loncar officiating. Burial will follow at Shady Grove Cemetery. Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.bobnealandsons.com.

Published March 18, 2019

Upcoming Events