Juanita LeDoux Ellis

While surrounded by her loving family at home, Juanita LeDoux Ellis, 81, went to be with her Lord Monday, Sept. 5, after a brief battle with cancer.

Funeral Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at Community Church in Orange, with the Rev. David Berkheimer officiating. Burial will follow at Orange Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Orange.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Orange on July 24, 1930, Juanita was the daughter of Alvin and Viner (Hoffpauir) LeDoux. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love for her family and others. She always put others needs above her own giving even if it was Daddy’s last dollar. Her compassion for others shined through. Juanita loved the Lord and was a loving wife, mother and Nanaw.

Around the house, you could hear her sing and whistle songs of joy while listening to worship music. Her laugh was the loudest and her smile was the brightest. The beach brought her great joy while she swam and floated in the ocean as well as looking for shells. She was an awesome cook and made a mean pot of gumbo.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one grandchild, Dustin Brack; one great-grandchild, Christopher Lichenstein; and sisters, Allie Mae Yarbrough and Barbara Bick.

Juanita leaves behind her sweetheart whom she was married to for 65 1/2 years, Charles L. Ellis, Sr. “Pappy”; five children, Chuck Ellis and wife, DeeDee of Orange, Patsy Peck and husband, David of Orange, Gary Ellis and wife, Diane of California, Donna Ellis of Austin, and Darla Brack and husband, Dan of Orange.

She is also survived by her 12 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

For friends who desire, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22718, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73123-1718.