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.
Dustin W Mahan
December 29, 2025 @ 3:49 pm
Ricky Vonallmen and Ellison families, I’m sorry for the loss of your grandmother.
Amber(Cozort)Redburn
December 29, 2025 @ 4:16 pm
Ellison Families and Ricky Vonallmen & Families,
We extend our Deepest Sympathy to all of you on the passing of Lois. She was a wonderful Christian Lady who cared very deeply about others too. Wonderful memories of her with Bill together at community events, church, etc. She will be missed. Daily may God provide comfort, peace, strength, and encouragement to each of you. We will be keeping all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts. May God bless each one of you.
In Christian Love,
Norris & Ivene Cozort
Tim, Amber(Cozort), and Corby Redburn
Madi McGee
December 29, 2025 @ 5:25 pm
She was so sweet and caring. She would always say how great I am with her care and how I done her hair. I’m so sad that she is gone. She was such a fantastic lady.
Melinda (Burgess) King
December 29, 2025 @ 5:44 pm
Together again with Bill. I can just see their smiles when they were reunited.
My sincerest condolences. Let the image of their Heavenly reunion bring a smile to your face and soothe your hurting hearts.
Ms. Lois was a treasure.
Kathy Parker
December 29, 2025 @ 6:05 pm
Missy, Sherri and family. I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was such a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Kathy Parker and Betty O’Dell
Sharon West
December 29, 2025 @ 9:00 pm
Joyce, I’m so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was such a sweet, kind, encouraging lady. I enjoyed visiting with her and you at the manor when Mom was still there. Praying for you and your family during this sad time. Hugs & Prayers!
Tina Barnett
December 30, 2025 @ 5:18 am
Joyce, Mike, Sherri and Missy I am praying for your family for the loss of your momma. I always loved Lous and know the grief of losing a loving mother. May God keep you in His arms and help you rejoice in her going home. She is no longer in any pain and I can just imagine her and Velma in Heaven together rejoicing.
Tina Barnett
Bob’s little sis
Hassel and Alice Vandergriff
December 30, 2025 @ 6:43 am
We are so sorry to learn of your loss.
Patricia Knox
December 30, 2025 @ 10:45 am
Joyce and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Lois was a beautiful Christian lady inside and out. As child, I spent a lot of time in the Ellison home. I loved going there! Lois always made me feel welcome, and almost a part of the family. Lois has always greeted me with a big hug and a smile. I pray that God will surround her family and friends with his great love, comfort , and peace.
Donna Newberry
December 30, 2025 @ 12:06 pm
Joyce, Michael, Sherri, Melissa. Sorry you have lost your mama. Lois always seemed to be a calming presence when I saw her and visited with her. Prayers and hugs for you all. Noble and Donna Kay Fox Newberry
Michael Frommel
December 30, 2025 @ 6:09 pm
Lois was a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker and an example of a Godly woman. Rest easy my friend, you did well.
Vici Mccracken
December 30, 2025 @ 7:04 pm
So sorry to hear this Melissa and family. Your Mother was a real jewel.
Nona Oaks
December 31, 2025 @ 11:26 am
Joyce,I was so sad to hear about Lois,she was a special cousin, was so Thankful we got to reminisce recently.
Prayers for you all?