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Julia Anne Gilliam Ellsworth of Hot Springs passed away on Sept. 23, 2008, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 79. She was born in Hot Springs to William C. and Bernice Gilliam, both deceased. She had two brothers, William C. Jr., now deceased, and Richard L. Gilliam of Hot Springs. She was married on Nov. 20, 1948, to Thomas J. Ellsworth and they had two sons, Thomas J. Jr. and John C.
“Judy” was a homemaker all of her life. She volunteered throughout her life for various groups and organizations, including Jackson House, DAR, Junior Auxiliary and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. She loved to help family and friends, and did so with her gracious style and beautiful smile. She loved her large circle of friends and, to the end, she was loved by them. She enjoyed simple pleasures in life, especially chocolate, Rod’s pizza and beautiful spring days. She always loved and cared for animals, especially cats, and contributed her time and resources to humane care organizations. After high school, she attended the University of Arkansas and then returned home to Hot Springs to begin a family. She was born on a farm and always maintained a love for the quiet ways of life even though, after her husband’s mayoral campaign in 1970, she became the “first lady” of Hot Springs. She is survived by Tom and Debbie Ellsworth of Hot Springs and John Ellsworth of Logan, Utah. Survivors also include grandsons, Brad Ellsworth and wife, Marcia of Murphy, Texas, and Kevin Ellsworth of Hot Springs and great-grandchildren, Nikki of Hot Springs and Nathan, Braelyn and Braxton of Murphy, Texas. She is also survived by her brother, Dick Gilliam, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and her long time friends, Judy McRae, Lu Stathakis and Doris Harper. Pallbearers will be grandsons Brad and Kevin Ellsworth, Richard Gilliam, Sam Stathakis, Mike Karber and Terry Gross. The family wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Beverly Health Care/Golden Living Center and Dierksen Memorial Hospice. Special thanks also to Doctor John Bond. Arrangements are by Gross Funeral Home. There will be a visitation at 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29. The service will follow at 2 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home. The Reverend C. B. Baker will conduct the service. Burial will be in Hollywood Cemetery. Guest register at www.grossfuneralhome.com. |
