Rose Jean Ellis

Rose Jean Ellis, 90, of Tyler, passed into the heavenly presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 15, 2019. Rose was born in Cumby, TX on February 17, 1929, the only child of R.J. “Bob” Moseley and Mary L. Moseley. Rose graduated valedictorian from Cumby High in 1945. She attended East Texas State College and was voted Campus Beauty and Homecoming Queen in 1947. There, she met and married Eugene Ellis. They had four sons, whom she always called, “my boys.” She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband Gene, who died in 1996. Rose was a wonderful mother and role model. She managed to raise four outstanding sons and always put their needs before hers. She was a staunch advocate of education. She taught elementary school for a number of years in El Paso. Upon relocating to Tyler in 1967, she earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Texas Eastern University (now UT Tyler). She worked for Tyler ISD for over 20 years as a classroom teacher, diagnostician, instructional consultant and vice-principal at various schools. After retiring from TISD, she then worked for UT Tyler supervising student teachers. After Gene retired, they bought a motorhome. Rose, Gene and Rusty traveled all over the U.S. Rose loved to travel, loved to play cards and games, loved to sew and do crafts. She was always learning and at the age of 63, she earned her pilot’s license. She had her own plane and she, Gene and Rusty flew hundreds of hours. Rose loved her family and always wanted them at her house. She was a wonderful cook and hostess. Many a holiday and weekend was spent at her home, with her boys, their wives and grandkids. Rose was a member of Carpenter’s Cross Baptist Church, where she served as church secretary and pianist for numerous years. Rose is survived by her sons, Dr. Michael Ellis, Stephen Ellis and wife Marilyn, Dr. Scott Ellis and wife Susan, and Rusty Ellis; grandchildren, Amanda Condor, Spenser Ellis, Michaela Ellis; great-grandchild, Logan Byrd; sister-in-law, Johnnie Eastman; and many cousins. The family would especially like to thank Gail Cordell for her loving care, as well as the wonderful staff at Brookdale Memory Care. Rose will be deeply missed by all. She was truly one of a kind. She was “The Sweetest Rose.” Visitation is Friday April 19, 2019 from 5 -7 p.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home. Funeral services are Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Ron Ivey officiating, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Cathedral in the Pines Cemetery in Tyler. Pallbearers are John Eastman, Pat Korkmas, Bubba Skirlock, Dick Shawer, Doug Smith and Spenser Ellis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Alliance of Smith County, 211 Winchester Dr., Tyler, TX 75701.

Rose Jean Ellis

February 17, 1929 - April 15, 2019