Jeannine DeGrassi Ellaby

Jeannine Elo Ellaby was born December 17, 1943 in Abilene, Texas. She was the daughter of Theodore Eugene Elo and Johnie Regene Gilden. Since Jeannine's father died when he was 38 years old from a heart attack, Jeannine always felt she was living on borrowed time. This thinking made her embrace life; she went full speed ahead and expected everyone else to follow. However, on June 19, 2021 Jeannine passed away from a number of irreversible conditions. Her life ended after 77 years of very productive living.

Jeannine worked her way through West Texas A&M, obtaining her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She taught for 30 years and was the epitome of a fine teacher. She was an agent of change who touched students’ lives and helped shape their futures.

Jeannine married Bill DeGrassi in 1970, and had two children, Delyn and Scott. Jeannine was the proud "Grammy" of 6 grandchildren. Their Grammy was always trying to make life special for them.

Eventually, Jeannine went to work for Katy Independent School District in Houston. She was an outstanding business teacher and a sponsor of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club. Because of her ability to instill a desire to achieve and learn in her students and her ability to encourage their talents and foster their self-esteem, Jeannine was recognized as Teacher of the Year. She also received local, state and national recognition for her work with FBLA. For Jeannine, the classroom had no walls. She was all about creating practical and rewarding experiences for her students where they could make genuine contributions to the community. Community service was a hallmark of her teaching template. She was also instrumental in finding jobs for many of her students. Jeannine was always observant for the “lost student” because she had a college professor who took her under her wing and built up her confidence during a challenging time in her life. She followed that model and always gave less confident students the extra time and attention they needed. She was masterful in creating ways to bolster their confidence.

In 1997, Jeannine married Mike Ellaby. Together, they taught, traveled and enjoyed their grandchildren's activities. Jeannine's shopping escapades became family lore. Her desire to give to her husband, children, grandchildren, colleagues, and students was a driving force in her life. Jeannine was the embodiment of making life worth living.

Jeannine is survived by her husband Mike, her sister Sharon, her two children Delyn and Scott, their spouses Shafer and Sandy, her six grandchildren Karson, Karli, Jackson, Reese, Riley, Hudson, nephew Brian and two cousins Sue and Jeri Lynn.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jeannine at 4:00pm on July 14, 2021 at the Katy Funeral Home in Katy, TX. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Stroke Association or the Ehlers Danlos society.