Frances Ellis, 97 year old New Boston, Texas resident, died Wednesday, December 30, 2015 in Mesquite, Texas. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 in the First Baptist Church in New Boston. Burial will follow in the Avery Cemetery in Avery, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Bates-Rolf Funeral Home of New Boston. Local arrangements are under the direction of the Billings Funeral Home.

Frances Armstrong Ellis was born January 11, 1918 in Fannin County, Texas; she was the daughter of Bertram Elmo and Mary Armstrong. She lived her early life near Boxelder, Texas where she attended country schools and schools in English, Texas. She moved to Avery and on April 15, 1939, she was married to Nolan Tandy Ellis in Avery, Texas. They continued living in Avery before moving to Hooks in the fall of 1947. They moved to New Boston in 1949 and they have lived in New Boston since that time. Her husband preceded her in death on November 26, 1992.

Frances was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in New Boston. Frances belonged to a quilting club that met once a week for several years and she made many beautiful quilts. Her daughters each received a beautiful quilt at Christmas. She was a very accomplished seamstress and owned her own fabric shop in her home for several years. Her entire family was very important to Frances, especially her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Frances’s grandchildren always loved spending time with their Nanny and Papa. She will be missed by all.

Survivors include three daughters, Melba Billings and husband Harry of Woodward, Oklahoma; Judy Marascola and husband Tony of Fate, Texas; LaHonda Holle and husband Cliff of Irving, Texas; eight grandchildren, Richard Ellis and wife Amber; Robin Endsley, Glenn Billings and wife Linda; Melina Clark and husband Lance; Shannon Thompson and husband Ron; Sherry Sparks and husband Kerry, Chuck Holle and wife Lezlee, Gene Holle and wife Mary; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Nolan, her parents, one son, W. L. Ellis who meant the world to Frances, one brother, and three sisters.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church of Woodward or the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation with the Billings Funeral Home accepting the contributions on behalf of the family.
Funeral: 2:00 PM Monday, January 4th, 2016
First Baptist Church of New Boston

Interment: Monday, January 4th, 2016
Avery Cemetery, Avery Texas