Willa Dean Ellard

Dean Ellard age 77 passed away on Thursday, August 18, 2016. She was a resident of Leeds, Alabama and a graduate of Leeds High School. She held the position of Lunchroom Manager at Irondale Elementary School for many years which she loved and throughout her years there she was adored by students and staff members. Dean was a member of the Irondale First Baptist Church. Dean is preceded in death by parents, Lucille and Aubrey ‘Monk’ Aderholt, husband of 35 years, Thomas M. ‘Tommy’ Ellard, Jr., siblings, Annette Pickens, and Robert and Jimbo Aderholt. Dean is survived by loving family that brought great joy to her life. She is survived by her son, Barry Ellard (Deana), daughter, Kim McDanal (J.W.), grandchildren, Barry Ellard, Jr., Amanda Ellard, Emily Ellard, Katie Cox (Steven) and Chris McDanal, along with 7 great grandchildren. Dean is also survived by her beloved sister and best friend, Sue Newton (Jimmy), nieces, Jamie Ingram (Royce) and Jennifer McLaughlin (Cason) and Kandace Brigman (Kevin) and a host of other nieces and nephews. Dean’s greatest pleasure in life was keeping Aubree, Sophie, JC and Hunter who she loved and cared for since birth and they all adored her. Dean’s family especially thanks her personal caregivers for providing excellent care, heartfelt kindness and support, Ginger, Effie, Tammie, and Maggie; St. Vincent’s Home Health & Hospice; Dr. Kyle Hudgens and his staff and the ALS Association of Alabama. Kim would also like to thank the RxBenefits management and her coworkers for their love and support during this time. The family will receive friends on Friday, August 19, 2016 from 3 to 4pm at Kilgroe Funeral Home in Leeds with Celebration of Life following at 4pm. Burial at Forest Crest Cemetery. Ginger Brasher - Cunningham officiating. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to perform a random act of kindness in memory of Dean Ellard.