Iona Mae (Riley) Ellis of Derby, KS, previously of Parks, AR. departed from life on September 6, 2021 at 83 years young. She was born October 24, 1937 to O.V. and Ruby L. (Wittsell) Riley in Uniontown, KS., On June 13, 1954 Iona married her husband of 61 years, Herman “Don” Ellis.
Iona is survived by 2 daughters; Donna Bates and husband Randal of Derby, KS and Linda Stafford and husband Jim of Tahlequah, OK, 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, along with several grandchildren and great-grandchildren by marriage. 3 sisters; Marilyn Greenough of Windsor, MO, Patricia “Patsy” Helvig (Ted) of Gilbert, AZ, and Ruth Graham (Bob) of St. George, UT., 2 brothers: Phillip Riley (Ann) of Wichita, KS, and Patrick “Pat” Riley (Ramona) of Poway, CA, and 1 sister-in-law Sue Ellis of Garfield, AR.
Preceded in death by her husband H. Don Ellis; daughter Paula Padilla; son Tommy Ellis; parents O.V. and Ruby Riley; brother Richard “Lynn” Riley.
Iona was a devoted Christian as well as to the family and in the community. She was a homemaker, seamstress, teacher of many skills including Vacation Bible School, Awana’s, Sunday School, bible studies, homemade candy, jelly and sewing. Iona also showed off her seamstress skills by entering her sewing projects at 4-H and at the Scott County Fair every year, where she won numerous blue ribbons; just to mention a few of her many skills. She was extremely excited when she was able to travel to Kenya, Africa, on her most recent mission trip. This was the last of many mission trips she attended.
Iona’s celebration of life will be held at Parks Baptist Church September 11, 2021 at 1:00 pm. with Rev. Bill Harwell and Andrew Ellis officiating, with interment in the
P Hawkins Cemetery immediately following the service. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Iona’s visitation will be held at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, AR on September 10, 2021 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.
Pallbearers: Grandson’s Luis Gomez, Bobbie Ellis, Glenn Ballance, Chris Ellis and Great Grandson’s Gage Russell, Donald Russell.
Honorary Pallbearers: Grandson Andrew Ellis, Granddaughter Vanessa Gomez, Son-In-Laws Randal Bates, Jim Stafford.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Awana’s Club at Pleasantview Baptist Church, 1335 N. Buckner St., Derby, KS 67037 or to the Parks Baptist Church, PO Box 55 Parks, AR 72950.
