Laurel Dean "Deanie" (Scruggs) Ellis' Obituary
Laurel Dean “Deanie” (Scruggs) Ellis of Dallas, Texas, age 80, died Wednesday, April 19, 2023, in Dallas. She was born December 6, 1942, to Laura Edith (Hessong) Scruggs and William Conway “Bill” Scruggs of Edna, Texas. Laurel played the clarinet in the Edna High School band and won many awards and honors as a clarinet player. Thanks to the generosity of her Uncle Dean, she attended Lillie Jolly School of Nursing in Houston.
Laurel married Raymond Marvin Ellis on November 5, 1966, in Edna, Texas. They lived several places early in their marriage, including Sacramento, California, and New Jersey, before finally settling in Dallas. Raymond died in 2010. Laurel is survived by her daughter, April Ellis, of Dallas; son, Robert Dean “Bob” Ellis, daughter-in-law Jennifer Ellis and beloved granddaughters Megan and Michelle Ellis, all of Garland; and many extended family members and dear friends. Some of her happiest memories were of spending time with her children and granddaughters and her cherished Uncle Dean.
Laurel worked as a nurse for many years, including in the newborn nursery, caring for premature babies, working in the postpartum area and providing private home care. When her son was young, she dedicated herself to being a full-time homemaker.
In her spare time, Laurel enjoyed reading, watching movies, dining out and cheering for the Dallas Cowboys. She loved meeting new people and made friends everywhere she went. She spent a lot of time getting together or talking on the phone with friends and family.
Laurel loved the beach, and her favorite places were Rockport/Fulton and San Antonio. She also enjoyed travel and had the opportunity to visit many other countries, including several European countries, Mexico, the Caribbean, Australia, Egypt and Israel. Laurel loved flowers and was known for her fondness for flamingos.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Dallas Arboretum.
A Celebration of Life Memorial service to honor Laurel will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, 10:00 a.m., at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park. A reception luncheon will follow the service at the Restland Reception Center from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.
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