ELLIS, Millie Jane

April 2, 1981. Millie Ellis 1897-1981. Millie Jane Ellis died March 25, 1981 at her home in Willcox. She was born near Ft. Thomas, Arizona on November 24, 1897, the second child of David Allen and Margaret E. Upchurch. The family moved to the Aravaipa Valley, homesteading near Klondyke, where the children were reared. They moved to Willcox in 1916. Millie was married to Lyter Ellis on July 27, 1917, and they lived at the family ranch northwest of Willcox in the Winchester Mountains. Lyter died January 21, 1951. Millie and son, Dick, managed the ranch until 1966 when it was sold. Millie retired to Willcox and lived here until her death. She is survived by two children: Peach Busenbark and Dick Ellis. She is also survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; one brother, James Upchurch, Spokane, Washington, and one sister Edna Mae Thornton, Clarksdale, Arizona. Millie was a charter member and first president of the Willcox Cowbelles. She was also active in Eastern Star and was a Past Worthy Matron. She was past president of the American Legion and V.F.W. Auxiliaries; past president of the Stewart Homemakers; Willcox Garden Club; Lambda Chi Omega Sorority; and was a charter member of the Auxiliary to the Northern Cochise Community Hospital. She was a member of the Willcox Chamber of Commerce for 25 years and a member of the First Baptist Church in Willcox. Funeral services were held Saturday, March 28, 1981, 10 a.m., at The First Baptist Church, with Rev. Donald Jeansonne officiating. Casket bearers were: Burnie Allaire, Charles Appel, Richard Fraker, Walter Wood, Bill Upchurch and Roy Young. Honorary casketbearers were: Paul Summers, Lynn Camp, Butch Harris and Bud Holland. Burial was in Sunset Cemetery, with arrangements by Westlawn Chapel. (her picture accompanies the article) Arizona Range News, Willcox.