Mary Ellard

Mary Alice Denning Ellard, beloved wife, mother, and nana, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023 while surrounded by her family.

Mary was born in Jacksboro, Texas on August 14, 1935 to the late Mary Jane and Luther Denning of Bryson, Texas.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, of 50 years, Herman Dale Ellard.

Much loved mother of Mike Ellard of Graham, Texas, Kris Mathis (Bud) of Knox City, Texas, and Robyn Broughton (Harvin) of Midland, Texas.

Cherished grandmother of Ryan Basham, Holly O’Neill, Robert Mathis (Jaicee), Krystal Ratliff, Britt Ellard (Amanda), Lindsey Mayer (Kelly), Brooke Broughton, and Lexi Greer (Garrett).

Great grandmother to 19 and cherished and loved by numerous nieces and nephews.

Dear sister to the late Winifred Denning (Jackie), the late Edward A. Denning and wife Bettye, the late Homer L. Denning and wife Linda.

Mary grew up in Bryson, Texas and graduated valedictorian of her 1953 senior class.

Mary lived a full life as a wonderful wife, mother, nana, and home maker.

She loved to sew and was a very accomplished seamstress.

 Mary also had a love for music. She took a correspondence course when married and taught herself to play the piano. Later, she took more piano lessons and organ lessons from her girls’ piano teacher, Sue Rowe.

Mary was very involved in the Graham Organ Guild. She enjoyed her love for music and the life long friends she made that were very dear to her heart.

Mary was a member of Eastside Church of Christ.

A visitation will be held at Morrison Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A funeral will be held on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Morrison Funeral Home Chapel at 1:00 PM/ Burial will follow at Cotton wood Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

She will be dearly missed and forever in our hearts.

Flowers of memorial donations to Beyond Faith Hospice and the Alzheimer’s Association are welcome.

The family would also like to express sincerest gratitude for all the care and love shown to mother from the staff at Elison Assisted Living and Memory Care and Beyond Faith Hospice.