Rena Mae Ellis, 93, of Oak Grove, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 19, 2016 at Oak Grove Nursing & Rehab. A memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 25th at Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove.
Rena was born to Wilkes P. and Gertrude Mullen on March 22, 1923. She was a graduate of Holden Missouri High school. After high school, she was in the first class to graduate from the Jenny Lund school of nursing as a registered nurse. After earning her RN, Rena enlisted in the Women’s Army Corp and served at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Aurora, CO. She was then transferred to San Diego, CA, before shipping out to the Philippines. While in the Philippines, Rena served as a MASH nurse, several times being within the fire of the Japanese. During this time, she also served on a hospital ship in Manila Bay, where she was the attending nurse for Admiral William Halsey. Rena was discharged in 1946 as First lieutenant. She married Jerry G. Ellis in Feb 1950.
Rena is survived by her husband of 66 years, Jerry G. Ellis; 2 children, Jerry J. Ellis of Oak Grove, and M. Jane Butterworth of Oak Grove; 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Rena was a kind soul whose first thought was always what she could for you. She was active in the Laural Club of Independence and the American Legion of Oak Grove until her health would no longer allow it. She was the Matriarch of our family, loved by family and friends alike and will be greatly missed by all.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441
Cheryl Mason
8 Sep 2020I had the privilege of first knowing Rena as an election judge. She and Jerry were there to “show me the ropes”. I will always remember her kind ways and cheerful attitude. I continued seeing her and Jerry at the store where I work and miss her. I pray for Jerry and her family as they go through this time. I thank God for her Service to our country. She is a member of the “greatest generation”. ~ Cheryl Mason
Cheryl Mason
8 Sep 2020Sorry to hear of the passing of Aunt Rena. We cannot make it down from Wisconsin for the service but our prayers are with you all. Uncle Jerry, take care of yourself. Our thoughts are with you. ~ Cheryl Mason