Obituary of Lucille Rebecca Ellis

On November 12th 2023, Lucille Rebecca Ellis flew off on unfettered wings and returned to All That Is. In her last days several times she said “I’m going home”: she is now reunited with her beloved husband James C. Ellis and all of her loved ones who had gone before .

Born June 23, 1932 in Red House VA, Becky spread love and joy for 91 years and it’s hard to say how many lives she has touched. Becky always had a kind word for everyone she encountered, seeing only the positive in any situation.

Becky and Jim had 63 wonderful years together and packed in as much as two people possibly could in one lifetime. While Jim was at Ringling School of Art in Sarasota FL, Becky worked as a seamstress for a clothing designer in St Armands Key. Combining their creativity, they renovated sixteen properties: together they turned places which many people would have torn down into showplaces. From turning a running grist mill into a four-story restaurant to renovating their nineteenth century family home into a historic bed and breakfast, their renovations include the Spring House Restaurant in Woodstock, VA, the Edinburg Mill Restaurant in Edinburg VA, and Overhome Bed & Breakfast in Franklin County, VA. She and Jimmy were also one of the founders of the Edinburg ‘Ole Time Festival.

If you had the good fortune to sit at her dinner table you could count on outstanding southern cooking (especially her fried chicken and homemade rolls) with a ruthless game of Canasta or Hand and Foot afterward. Becky was a formidable card player. She was known for her decorating panache, her gifts for entertaining, and she loved throwing a party.

Becky loved her family fiercely. She was always there with support and encouragement, letting her loved ones know that they could do anything that they set their minds to.

Becky is survived by her three children Cal Ellis, Beth Ellis, Laura Ellis Miller, her husband Kenny Miller, her grandchildren Kerry Shaleuly , her husband Bryan Shaleuly and Haley Miller along with her great grandchildren Pippa Ring, Indy Ring and Miller Shaleuly.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 17, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Simpson Funeral Home on Peters Creek Rd in Roanoke, VA. with a visit with the family beginning at 1:00 p.m. The family will also be holding a Celebration of Life for Becky in their hometown of Woodstock, VA with the date to be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St Jude or the  Rescue Mission of Roanoke.