Leanna Jane Ellis

Leanna was born the 7th of January 1927 in Harrison, Arkansas. Leanna was a dearly loved wife, mother and grandma. She was such a kind and sweet lady who loved her family passionately. Leanna was married for 64 (almost 65) years to the love of her life Dr. Robert (Bob) Ellis. She was born and raised in Harrison, Arkansas as well as living a few years in Tulsa, Oklahoma where she graduated from Will Rogers High School. She graduated from The University of Arkansas with a degree in Marketing and returned to Tulsa to start her career. She became a Texan when the company relocated to Fort Worth, Texas and it was there in Sunday School she met and then married Bob Ellis, a pharmacist. They were soon relocated to Atlanta, Georgia while Bob served in The United States Army during the Korean war. When he was discharged they moved to Houston Texas while he studied in Dental School and started their family. They chose to become permanent Houstonians after he graduated.

Leanna was a proud member of The Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority and was proud to have received her 70 year pin. Her oldest daughter was also a Kappa and she was always very proud of that connection. She was an active alumni in the Houston Chapter especially their Garden Club. She loved gardening. She looked forward each year to hosting the Kappa garden club in her home. She had a greenhouse and a potting shed in her backyard and she spent as much time as she could working in her gardens and potting her plants.

Leanna loved her church life and was a long time member of St. Philip’s United Methodist Church of Houston. She was blessed with a beautiful soprano singing voice and was an active member of her church choir for many years.

Leanna enjoyed her social life especially with her husband. They were long time season ticket holders to The Houston Astros games, Theater Under The Stars, the Barbershop Quartet and others. She loved participating in many Rotary Club events as well. They frequently hosted parties in their home and always welcomed their daughters to have their friends over and host parties in their home as well.

Leanna loved her weekend home at Lake Livingston. Her children and grandchildren loved going there and they hosted many events there as well.

Leanna loved to travel. She and Bob traveled all over the world with Rotary International. Her favorite vacation spot was Maui, Hawaii.

Leanna was a devoted mother and grandma and loved her 2 daughters, 2 granddaughters and 2 grandsons unconditionally. They were the light of her life.

Leanna is predeceased by her oldest daughter Pamela Lee Skinner of Colleyville, Texas; her parents Cleona (Bill) and Clarence Kent of Harrison, Arkansas; brother C.N. Kent Jr. of Mountain Home, Arkansas; and Robert Kent of Harrison Arkansas.

Leanna is survived by her husband, Dr. Robert Lee Ellis of Houston, Texas; daughter Cindy Murrey and husband Mike Murrey of The Woodlands, Texas; son-in law Mark Skinner and wife Valerie Skinner of Colleyville, Texas; her grandchildren Kelly Jackson and husband Thomas Jackson of Corpus Christi, Texas; Josh Skinner of Denton, Texas; Melissa Murrey of Dallas, Texas; and Jake Skinner of Chicago, Illinois; as well as long time next door neighbor who is more like a daughter, Beverly Schorre and husband Randy Schorre.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 16th of December in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the adjacent grand foyer. The family will gather for a private interment at Forest Park Westheimer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Leanna’s memory can be directed to her church St Philip’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Beechnut, Houston, Texas 77096 or through their website spumc.com or to the ALS Association at alsa.org in memory of Leanna Ellis./ Pamela Skinner.