Ruth Ellis, 86, of Mesquite, Texas, passed away on October 17, 2026. Born September 14, 1940, Ruth was dearly beloved and deeply cherished—a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose gentle, kind-hearted presence brought comfort to those around her. With thoughtful wisdom and steady patience, she met life as it came, showing resilience through every season.
Ruth was born at home in Dayton, Texas. Growing up near the railroad tracks, she found mischief and laughter in her childhood days, spending free time throwing eggs at the hobos. At the age of ten, Ruth contracted polio and was treated at Jeff Davis Hospital. Determined to keep moving forward, she endured long hours—eight at a time—at the chiropractor’s office to help ensure she could attempt to walk and manage the lasting effects of polio.She was confined to a wheelchair and scooter the rest of her life. Her perseverance carried into her education as she attended Lamar Tech College, driving herself with a hand control designed by the local fire department, created before modern hand controls were developed. In Raywood, Texas, she was pulled over regularly by police who wanted to see the remarkable hand control for themselves.
Ruth faithfully served as a military wife to her husband, James Ellis, standing beside him with compassion and steadfast devotion. She also worked as an accountant at Safeway, bringing care and diligence to her work. After retirement, Ruth embraced the joy of travel, taking many cruises and marking treasured milestones along the way. She and James celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Hawaii. Her favorite cruise began in Vancouver, Canada, traveled through the Panama Canal, and ended in Miami—an experience she held close as a reminder of a life well-lived and richly explored.
On November 1, 1966, Ruth married James Ellis Jr., and together they shared 60 years of marriage. Their home and family life reflected the quiet strength of her love—steady, patient, and deeply devoted.
Ruth’s interests were a reflection of her thoughtful spirit and the simple joys she valued. She loved sewing, going to the casino, traveling, and collecting porcelain dolls. She enjoyed visiting the Arboretum in Dallas, Texas, and most of all, spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—offering them a gentle presence, a compassionate heart, and the kind of love that stays with a family for generations.
Ruth is survived by her husband, James Ellis Jr.; her children, Sharon Miller (Gordon Miller), Donna Fulgham, and David Ellis (Stacy Ellis); her grandchildren, Geoffrey Lyons (Kateley Lyons), Charlotte Wilson, Shelby Francis, Matt Fulgham (Maranda Fulgham), Greggory Lyons, Travis Kennedy, Jonathan Staggs, Leighton Lyons, Kimber Ellis; and her great-grandchildren, Cheyenne Wilson, Marley Wilson, Riven Lyons, Luke Lyons, Jax Fulgham, Jaxson Francis, Ruthie Lyons, Lucille Lyons, Wynonna Fulgham, and John Lyons; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ruth was preceded in death by her mother, Gladys Jones; her father, Weldon Jones; and her sisters, Marie Johnston (Malcolm Johnston) and Betty Aldrich.
In her own way, Ruth spoke of heaven with both faith and a familiar practicality—excited to make it to the pearly gates, and praying there would be a chiropractor to pop her neck before entering. She is buried with her running shoes, so she can run through the gates of heaven. Her family will remember her as beloved and cherished, a woman of gentle strength and enduring devotion, whose thoughtful care and quiet wisdom shaped the lives of all who knew her.
The family requests that guests wear Easter Spring and Turquoise colors. Please dress comfortably, no suits, unless you feel so inclined.
