Ruth Janette Ellis, 89, of Fort Smith, AR, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. She was born April 25, 1931 in Prescott, AR to H.F. Bryant and Ruth Ames Bryant. Janette grew up in Camden, AR, and graduated from Henderson State Teachers College with a degree in education. She and her husband, James Shelton Ellis of Camden, AR, met while traveling on a train to college. After graduating, Janette taught home economics at Bearden, AR for one year. She then taught elementary school in Memphis, TN while her husband attended dental school. After the birth of her children, she devoted her life to her family. Janette was a long-time active member of East Side Baptist Church. She supported the Fort Smith Symphony and served on the Symphony Guild for many years. A gifted Origami artist, she shared her talent, teaching children at the Fort Smith Art Center.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Dr. James Ellis; two daughters, Elizabeth Hollis of Tulsa, OK., Dr. Ruth Lambert and husband Dr. David Lambert of Loudon, TN.; two grandchildren, Brandon Son and wife Colleen of Tulsa, OK.; and Ellis Lambert of Loudon, TN.; one great grandchild, Nicole Son of Tulsa, OK.; one brother, Dwight Ames Bryant of Mobile, AL.
Visitation will be 2 PM till 4 PM, Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 2 PM, Monday, April 5, 2021 at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Wally Portman officiating. Graveside service will be 2 PM, Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden, AR.
The family would like to thank Heart of Hospice and caregivers: Laura Blanton Black, Lee Knoetgen, Melisa Lybyer, Linda McGuire, and Amanda Reed for their loving care.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090 or www.gideons.org.
Active Pallbearers will be Clifton Ladd, Bruce Singleton, David Bowman, Dr. Jerry Jeffries, Ellis Lambert and Brandon Son. Honorary Pallbearer will be Dr. T.W. Brown. To place online condolences, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com