Lois Edna Ellison

Funeral services for Lois Edna Ellison, 88, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle Church, under the direction of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. 

Lois Edna Ellison passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Manor.

Lois was born on August 9, 1937, in Missouri to the late Crawford and Gertha Hicks. In her early teenage years, Lois suffered the loss of both of her parents due to sickness. Following their passing, she was lovingly raised by her grandparents, Johnny and Stella Gilbert, alongside her siblings Velma and Johnny Ray.

Lois was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was affectionately known as Memaw, Grandma, and Meme, and was a dedicated keeper of the home who treasured her family deeply and genuinely loved people.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Ellison; her sister, Velma Robinson; her brother, Johnny Ray Hicks; her half-sister, Allie Hicks Butcher; and her half-brothers Chester Hicks, Lewis Hicks, and Norman Hicks.

She is survived by her children: Joyce (Dennis) Vonallmen, Michael (Sondra) Ellison, Sherri (Chris) Orr, and Melissa (Jason) Heath.

She leaves behind her grandchildren: Ricky, Randy, Cynthia, Seth, Mika, Kelsie, Christian, and Jarissa; and her great-grandchildren: Madyson, Taylor, Luke, Ashton, Jordann, Zack, CharliAnne, Brayden, Ellis, Silas, and one great-grandchild expected in February.

She is also survived by her brothers- and sisters-in-law Bob Robinson, Gary (Bev) Pliler, Sue Hicks, and Mildred Young, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Lois was a strong, mighty, and tough woman whose endurance marked her life. She was an excellent cook, well known for her chicken and dumplings and raisin pie, and considered herself a true food connoisseur, famously disliking “leather bacon.” She worried, wondered, and always kept up with her children.

Lois worked as a cook for the WP R-7 School District. She volunteered at OMC for 30 years and was actively involved in the Texas Street Neighborhood Care, where she collected donations for neighborhood needs.  As well she was known as a devoted “people watcher,” especially during trips to Wal-Mart. She proudly earned the title of Yard Sale Queen, always on the hunt for a good bargain.

Lois dearly loved the staff and friends at Pleasant Valley Manor, which had become her home. 

She was a charter member of Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, where she attended for many years. She loved going to church and being involved with her church family.

Lois Edna Ellison will be remembered for her strength, her generosity, her watchful care over others, and the deep love she poured into her family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, at Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle.  Burial will be in Howell Memorial Park Cemetery.  Memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Pentecostal Tabernacle, and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, Missouri.