Ella Louise Elkins Ellis "Wheezie"

Ella Louise Elkins Ellis "Wheezie", 89, passed away on May 10, 2024, at Pullman Regional Hospital.

She was born August 11, 1934, to George and Esther (Eurich) Black in Spokane, Wash. She grew up in Oakesdale graduating with the class of 1952. She married Frank N. Elkins in 1952 and together they welcomed four children; Dana, Marian, Terry, and Kelly. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mother and homemaker.

After the kids were older, Louise went back to school earning her education degree from Eastern Washington University in 1978. She also completed a Master's Degree in special education from the University of Idaho in 1979. Louise taught elementary and middle school in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. After 32 years of marriage, Frank passed away in 1983. Some of her happiest times were going to college and learning. She completed a second Master's Degree in education as a reading specialist from Whitworth University in 1983.

She married Lonny L. Ellis, an Oakesdale farmer, in 1985 and together they joined their families. She enjoyed campfires on the beach, swimming, and water skiing. Louise also liked to crochet, weaving, quilting, and knitting. She knitted hats for all the children at the homeless school for several years.

Louise is survived by her husband, Lonny at their home in Colfax; her children, Dana (Chris) Elkins, Marian (Don) MacKenzie, Terry McFarland, and son-in-law James Flatau; Lonny's children, Chris (Kari) Ellis, Cindy (Doug) Curtis, Dean (Connie) Ellis, and Jeff (Kristi) Robinson; 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother, Rick Robinson. She was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Frank, her daughter Kelly, her brother Ron, and step-daughter Sue.

A funeral service for Louise will be held on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at the Oakesdale Presbyterian Church followed by a graveside service at the Oakesdale Cemetery.

You are all invited to join the family for a reception at the fire station immediately following services. Because her favorite color was purple, the family encourages you to wear purple on Friday in her honor. Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax, WA, is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at http://www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com