Hazel Ellis

Hazel Belle (Wells) Ellis, 101 years young, of rural Macon, departed this earth at 5:10pm Sunday, August 31st with family at her side. Hazel was born April 27, 1913, 3rd of 11 children born to George & Dora (Edgecombe) Wells in their home south east of Elwin. Hazel was a lifelong resident of Macon County. She was a 1931 Mt Zion High School graduate and girls basketball team member. Hazel was active in 4-H with baking & sewing awards and a member of the 1931 State Fair Judging Team. On Feb. 4, 1937, Hazel & Lyle C. Ellis were married at the Moore Farm, east of Macon, and that was their home for 17 years. The Ellis family moved to Andrews Road, east of Macon in 1953 where Hazel lived until June 2013. Hazel lost her life partner in 1970. Hazel and Lyle worked hard at farming and raising a family of four. Hazel treasured her family. She was a devoted mother and her grandchildren were her greatest joy. Hazel was an early life member of the Macon Presbyterian Church. Hazel & Lyle gave considerable time and energy to the Lord, church projects and activities. During her life, Hazel wore many hats; a hired girl after high school graduation earning 25 cents a day to a store clerk, short-order cook, Macon School cook and bus driver for 12 years. Macon students will remember her for her cinnamon rolls, sugar and chocolate chip cookies. Hazel greatly enjoyed being outdoors, especially mowing her yard; which she continued to do well into her 90's. After losing her husband, Hazel devoted herself to her 13 grandchildren and 23 great grand children. Announced or unannounced, Grandma Hazel would drive her "Chevy" to their home, delivering cookies, pies, or cakes for her family. Last year Hazel did something few people get to do, she celebrated her 100th birthday. Surviving are her sons: Gary & Frances (Luck ) of Ivesdale; Roger & Marsha (Larsons) of Floyds' Knobs IN; Terry & Alice(Litwiller) of Bloomington. Grandsons: Kevin & Chantel Ellis of Champaign; Scot & Lisa Ellis of Floyds' Knobs, IN; Eric Ellis of Floyds Knobs, IN; Justin & Michelle Ellis of Emden. Granddaughters: Whitney Gates and the late Job R. Gates of Grand Blanc, MI; Meme & Tyson Walters of Emden; Kelly & Chas Staley of Carbondale. Surviving daughter and family in the local area: Linda & Steve Gambrill of Decatur. Granddaughters: Tammy and Troy Page of Harristown, their children Taylor and Taryn; Tricia and Chad Napier of Oakley, their children Cody and Aaron; Jill Gambrill of Decatur and her children Davon, Olivia, and Aaliyah; Melanie Gambrill of Decatur and her children Paige and Madelyn. Grandson John Gambrill of Decatur. Sister Dora Wells of Decatur and brothers David Wells of Bement, Donald Wells & Paul Wells of Elwin. Preceding her in death were her parents, husband Lyle, her daughters Carolyn & Beverly, grandson Shaun Ellis, great grandson Logan Staley, grandson in-law Job R. Gates, sister Gladys Black and brothers Chester, George, Luther, Gerald and Charles. Out of respect for Hazel's wishes, there will be a private memorial service and an inurnment later at Mt. Gilead Cemetery. Family members wish to thank all those who gave loving care and peace to Hazel. Memorial donations may be made to Fair Havens Christian Home and Harbor Light Hospice of Decatur. "
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