Rita Jean Ellis, 88, of Elnora, Indiana, passed away on Monday, September 12, 2022 at Ketcham Memorial Center in Odon. She was born on June 18, 1934 in Terre Haute, Indiana to Norman and Jessy Oval (Burdsall) Mize. Rita was raised from the age of 7 by her grandmother, LuVerna ‘Vernie’ Burdsall.
Rita was a member of the Elnora Christian Church, Order of Eastern Star and Elnora American Legion Post #245. She was an LPN at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, retiring in 1991 with many years of service. Rita was an avid St. Louis Cardinal and IU Basketball fan.
Family left to cherish the memory of Rita include: two daughters, Sherry (Jerry) Beck of Elnora and Ronda (Michael) Franke of Lake St. Louis, MO; two sons, Wayne (Martha) Ellis of Elnora and Donald (Wendy) Ellis of Odon; grandchildren, Stacy (Marty) Drew of Odon, Jada (Brent) Beck of Elnora, Stevi (Madaro) Ugen of Evansville, Ryan (Jennie) Franke of Kirkwood, MO, Matthew (Emilee) Franke of Portland, OR, Evan Ellis of Muscatine, IA, Joseph Ellis of Odon, Robert Ellis of Elnora and Charlie (Jill) Arnold of Hickory, NC; great-grandchildren, Timothy (Kelsy) Drew, Garrett Drew, Justin (Lilly) Fox, Kenric Ugen, Amelia Franke, Myles Franke, Lewis Franke, Rosalee Franke, Teddy Franke, Kinzer Ellis, Kane Ellis, Bexleigh Arnold, Barrett Arnold and one great-grandchild, Maverick Drew.
Rita was preceded in death by her parents, one granddaughter, Rebecca Arnold-Ellis and the father of her children, Herbert Leon Ellis.
Funeral services will be at 12:00 Noon on Friday, September 23, 2022 at Elnora Christian Church. Rita will be laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery in Elnora.
Family and friends may call from 10:00 AM until the time of service at 12:00 Noon on Friday at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Rita to Ketcham Memorial Center in Odon. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Arrangements and care have been entrusted to Meng Family Funeral Homes, Anderson-Poindexter Chapel in Linton. Online condolences and memories may be sent to the family at www.andersonpoindexter.com.
