Dana Darlene (Gaston) Ellis

Dana Darlene (Gaston) Ellis, daughter of James and Elsie Gaston, was born December 4, 1929 in Eunice, Missouri. She departed this earthly life on May 12, 2019 while living in a Memory Care Facility, at the age of eighty-nine years. Dana was a member of Berkeley Presbyterian and Harper Methodist. She made her profession of faith and was baptized on April 5, 1953. Dana graduated from Summersville High School in May 1947. After graduation, Dana worked in a garment factory. Once in St. Louis Dana worked in an ammunition factory and later in the insurance industry. Dana was united in marriage to Bob Ellis on May 29, 1948. They set out on a 69 year adventure and to this union three children were born: Linda, Leslie and Pam. As years passed they were gifted with four grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Bob and Dana loved their family, they shared a life, work, boating, fishing, traveling to Florida but most of all time spent enjoying their family. In the early 1980's Dana and Bob moved to Osage Beach and started a new life being retired and doing as they wanted with their time. Dana's favorite color was blue and everyone knew that. Dana was the kindest person anyone would want to know. The twinkle in her blue eyes and kind words always put a smile on your face. Dana was preceded in death by her loving husband Bob in 2017, her parents James and Elsie Gaston, brother Dean and wife Betty, sister Bernice and husband Roy, dear nephew Roger Dixon and all her Ellis in-laws. Dana was a loving wife, devoted mother, caring and energetic grandmother and great grandmother, aunt, neighbor and dear friend of many. Dana is survived by her three children: Linda Lees and husband, Denny, of St. Louis, MO, Les Ellis and wife, Joy, of McKinney, TX and Pam Ellis of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren: Dennis M. Lees Jr. and wife, Amanda, of Wentzville, MO, Andrea Jungers and husband, Craig, of Virginia Beach, VA, Kelly Ruyle and husband, Greg, of Kirkwood, MO and Laura Bryant and husband Haydn of Mckinney, TX; great grandchildren: Dennis Michael "Mike" Lees III, Sophia Lees, Preston Jungers, Graham Jungers, Delaney Ruyle and Sheridan Ruyle; several nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Today we celebrate her life and although Dana's last few years were plagued by Dementia/Alzheimer's disease she still had a loving, caring heart. Dana was always thrilled to see her family and friends when they visited her. Dementia/Alzheimer's disease cruelly and methodically dismantles the mind of the person you love, drawing them into a thickening fog of confusion. No one deserves that fate. But Dementia/Alzheimer's disease doesn't care, it is heartless. We celebrate Dana's life and her accomplishments and will always treasure the memories she created for her family and friends. Funeral Service for Dana Darlene (Gaston) Ellis was held Monday, May 13, 2019 in the Wilson Mortuary of Salem Chapel with Bro. Charlie Younger officiating. Granddaughter Andrea Jungers shared the eulogy and special music was provided by Beverly Wilson. Serving as pallbearers were Dennis Lees, Dennis Lees Jr., Bob Gaston, Rich Meyerpeter, Les Ellis, Eddie Wilson and Michael Weaver. Honorary Pallbearers were Mike Lees, Sophia Lees, Preston Jungers, Graham Jungers, Delaney Ruyle and Sheridan Ruyle. Burial was in the Cedar Grove Cemetery in Salem, Missouri. All arrangements were under the direction and care of Wilson Mortuary of Salem.

Dana Darlene (Gaston) Ellis

December 4, 1929 - May 12, 2019