In Loving Memory of Barbara Ann Ellis

October 17, 1949 – August 8, 2026

Barbara Ann Ellis, 76, of Portageville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at New Madrid Living Center in New Madrid, Missouri.

Born on October 17, 1949, in Coon Island, Missouri, Barbara was the beloved daughter of Dorothy Dollins Chidester and Everett Chidester. She grew up in a large, loving family of twelve children, cherishing the closeness and joy that came with it.

On September 2, 1972, Barbara married the love of her life, Freddie Ellis, in Portageville. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and shared adventures. Barbara found joy in gardening, cooking, camping, and traveling with her sisters. Above all, she treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Angel Ellis; brothers, Allen Lee and Elmer Chidester; and sisters, Evelen Johnson and Ellen Maness.

Barbara is survived by her devoted husband, Freddie Ellis of Portageville; her children, Freddie Jr. (Denisa) Ellis of Portageville, Angela Bradley of Lilbourn, Tonya (Shawn) Winters of Ellsinore, and Sherry Brookreson of Poplar Bluff; brothers, Lawrence (Janet) Chidester of Hayti and Melvin Chidester of Benton; sisters, Nora Stockton of Portageville, Frieda Geary of Kennett, Sue Forrester of Portageville, Geraldine (Kenny) Keith of Portageville, and Arlene Morefield of Portageville; seven grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren, with one more on the way.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at DeLisle Funeral Home in Portageville. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. A.R. Gentry. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery in Malden, Missouri.

Barbara’s warmth, laughter, and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her