Bernice Ellis

Bernice Ellis, 96, of Arnold, Mo., former Manila resident and widow of John Levi Ellis, passed from this life Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Mercy Hospital South in St. Louis, Mo. Born in Manila to the late Charlie and Mary Ellen Parker Crouse she was one of 11 children. Bernice was raised in the Manila and Blackwater areas and met John Ellis in 1946. They were married three months later and enjoyed 60 years together until John’s death. Whether they were fishing, remodeling houses, landscaping, quilting or gardening, they did it together. The Crouse family was a large, loving family with no distinction between family and in-laws. Once you married into the family you were treated as such for life. Bernice was a factory worker and was known for her strong work ethic. When she and John retired to Mountain Home they stayed busy fishing, working on the house and yard, going to town for supplies and helping their neighbors. Together they routinely sat at the kitchen table and made over 20 quilts for friends and family. John ran the sewing machine while Bernice told him what to do. When John’s health began to decline Bernice took care of him every minute of the day and night until his death in 2006. As Bernice began to struggle with her own health she moved to Missouri where her daughters cared for her for the past 10 years. She will be remembered as a strong lady who was loved by all. In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by four sisters and five brothers, including her twin, Bernard.

Survivors include three daughters; Janetta Shreve, Phyllis Gibbs and Sherri Ellis. She also leaves a sister, Delora Brown; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and 25 nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Manila. The family will receive visitors from 12:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.