Modelle (Trimble) Ellis

Viola Modelle Trimble Ellis, 95, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019. A graveside service will be held at 2:00p.m., Friday, March 8, 2019 at Throckmorton Cemetery with Bro. Brent Mills officiating. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at a later date. Services are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes, Throckmorton.

Modelle always went by her middle name, but early in life, her nickname was "Model T". She grew up on a farm with a family that included three brothers and three sisters. Modelle was a caregiver beginning early in life, caring for younger sibling while her mother and father did the hard work of keeping their farm going during the Depression years.

After graduating from high school, Modelle attended business college in Abilene and learned how to keep book and do secretarial work. Before marrying, she had a career at Singer Sewing Company in Abilene. She married Adrian Ellis after being introduced by her future sister-in-law. She and Adrian ran Ellis Welding and Manufacturing Company in the 1960's before moving to Weatherford. Modelle and Adrian were married for 58 years, until his death in 2013.

Modelle will be remembered for her kind nature, her beautiful smile, her storytelling ability, her amazing cooking (especially baking) skills, and the artistry of her beautiful and numerous quilts. Most of all, Modelle will be remembered as a caregiver. Her whole life was about service to others, whether it was starting school a year early just so she could walk her older sister to school, providing a meal for someone in need, sitting with a sick friend, caring for a child or stray animal, or caring for her husband until the end of his life. She served God by serving others.

Modelle is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Adrianne and Eldon Berry, her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Tracy Elllis, her step-son and step daughter-in-law, Cecil and Barbara Ellis, five grandchildren: Brent Ellis and wife Jessica, Emily Groomer and husband Mark Carpenter, Sarah Ellis and her partner Brad Evans, Drew Ellis and wife Nicole, and Claire Ellis, three great-grandchildren: Leo Ray Carpenter, Chess William Ellis, and Allie Ellis.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.