Graveside services for Ilene Ellis, age 84, of Brownwood, Texas will be held 2:30 P.M. Sunday, March 6, 2011 at the Mukewater Cemetery with Rev. Rick Justice officiating  under the direction of Heartland Funeral Home.  She passed away Friday, March 4, 2011 in Songbird Lodge Nursing Home.

Twin daughters, Ilene and Oline were born January 18, 1927 in Santa Anna, Texas to Claude and Willie Lee (Lela) Baugh Hodges.  Ilene attended school in Santa Anna.  She married Plas “Shorty” Ellis on January 2, 1945; he preceded here in death on September 22, 1982. Ilene & Shorty loved their children and grandchildren and cherished the times they were all together.  Ilene wore her LVN cap with pride from the time she received her license in 1964 through the many years she cared for her patients at Brownwood Medical Arts Hospital and various nursing facilities in the Brownwood area.  She was a member of the Ave D Baptist Church.

Ilene is survived by her long time companion and best friend Billy Windham who provided her years of love and devotion; her son Jimmie Ellis and his wife Betty of Bangs; her son-in-law Kenneth Chambers of Brookesmith; also grandchildren Debbie Harris and husband Jeff, children Brennan & Colton; Zac Ellis; Kevin Chambers and wife Renee, daughter Stephanie; John Chambers and wife Tonya, children Kyle, Stephen & Mathew; and Kasie Gober and son Hunter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sisters, Oline Hodges, Gwen Garey and Lena Jennings; and her daughter Brenda Chambers on Dec. 25, 2007.

Ilene’s family would like to express their gratitude to the staff and nurses at Songbird Lodge for their kindness and tender way of caring for her needs and also Dr. Locklear for his friendship and many years of care.

Friends are invited to sign the guestbook at www.heartlandfuneralhome.net.  Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.