Fannye Elizabeth Rudd Ellis, 96 of Athens, died Monday, March 17, 2008, at Morning Pointe Assisted Living in Athens.

She was a native of McMinn County, where she was a resident most of her life. A daughter of the late James and Martha "Matilda" McBroom Rudd, she was preceded in death by her husband, Walter E. Ellis, on Feb. 18, 1988; and two sisters, Bill West and Hazel McDaniel. She was valedictorian of the 1931 graduating class of McMinn County High School.

Being the wife of Master Sergeant Walter E. Ellis, she served in various organizations while her husband served in the U.S. Army, and for those services received a certificate for her distinguished devotion at Ft. Devens, Mass. Being a member of Keith Memorial United Methodist Church since 1946, she was involved in the Grace Wilkins Circle and Home Service Sunday School Class. She was a loyal, dedicated member of Athenian Chapter 159 Order of Eastern Star for almost 58 years. She was initiated into the Order on July 21, 1950, and also was elected to be dual member of Sweetwater Chapter 381 on March 28, 2005. She was currently serving as a Star Point Officer in the Athenian Chapter.

She was an inspiration and dearly loved by everyone. On May 19, 2002, the mayor of Athens honored Fannye, proclaiming Sunday, May 19, 2002 as Fannye Ellis Day in Athens for her community service and delivering "goody bags" for more than 20 years.

Survivors include nieces, nephews and many friends.

The family will receive friends from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at Keith Memorial United Methodist Church.

The Athenian Chapter 159 Order of the Eastern Star will conduct a memorial service at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the church with funeral services following at 3 p.m. with the Rev. Mike Hubble and the Rev. Jason Gattis officiating. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Bobby Roseberry, the Rev. Dave Graybeal, Bill Emendorfer, Paul Willson, Charles Mayfield and Scottie Mayfield. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Home Service Sunday School Class.

Memorial contributions may be made to Keith Memorial United Methodist Church, 600 W. Madison Ave., Athens, TN 37303, or Athenian Chapter 159 of Eastern Star, c/o Jo Webb, P.O. Box 8, Niota, TN 37826.

Those not able to attend may send condolences to mailto:condolences@laycock-hobbs.com