Helen Louise Ellison

Helen Louise Ellison, born in Daingerfield, Texas, on March 5, 1935, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025. She was the cherished daughter of Homer Nix and Inez Terry Nix and one of ten siblings—a family heritage that instilled in her a deep sense of love and connection.

Helen married the love of her life, Bernie Ray Ellison, and together they built a beautiful family and shared countless adventures. She was a devoted mother to Christopher Jay Ellison, Susan Ketterer, and Kim Diefenderfer (husband Jason), and a proud grandmother to Brooke Ketterer and Alexandra Diefenderfer. She was preceded in death by Bernie, Chris, and several siblings, leaving behind treasured memories that will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Helen dedicated 37 years and 5 days of her career to Southwestern Bell Telephone Co, where her commitment and work ethic earned the admiration of colleagues. Beyond her professional life, she embraced every moment with enthusiasm and joy. She loved playing tennis and traveling the world with Bernie, creating unforgettable experiences during his overseas assignments. Their time abroad included living in South Korea, Sharjah, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, where they formed lifelong friendships within the expat community and even learned the subtle art of winemaking while residing in an Aramco compound.

In the kitchen, Helen was a gifted baker, delighting family and friends with her famous pies—chocolate, lemon, and coconut crème were favorites—along with her signature banana pudding. She especially cherished Monday afternoons spent baking cakes with her granddaughters.

Helen also enjoyed games that brought people together. She was an avid card player, with spades being her favorite, and never missed an opportunity to share laughter around the table or play the perfect trump card. She mastered Mahjong long before it became widely popular, showcasing her love for challenge and fun.

Above all, Helen’s greatest joy was her family. She adored her granddaughters and was known for her playful spirit—like letting them eat ice cream straight from the container with their fingers, a memory they will treasure forever. She also loved her “grand-dogs,” spoiling them with treats at every chance.

Helen’s life was a testament to love, resilience, and adventure. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who have the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Settegast-Kopf Company at Sugar Creek, located at 15015 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX, 77478, on December 20, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a luncheon at the Sugar Creek Country Club immediately after to further celebrate Helen's life.