Ella Ree Ellis was born June 29, 1930 to the late Ollie T. Ellis and Gertrude E. Jackson-Ellis in Yazoo County, Mississippi and lived there until her parents moved to Jackson, Mississippi.
Ella’s education began under the instruction of her grandmother, Florence H. Ellis, until the fourth grade. From the fourth grade forward she continued her education in the Jackson, Mississippi public school system.
She graduated in 1947. Thereafter, she enrolled in Jackson College taking typing and shorthand classes.
Ella was quiet natured, but enjoyed programs for the children at church. She accepted Christ at Mount Calvary Baptist Church under the pasturage of W.P. Whitfield, and was a pianist for youth ministries from time to time.
In the spring of 1949, her uncle and aunt asked her parents if she could come to Los Angeles to live with them. The answer was yes. She was united with Cornerstone Baptist Church with Pastor of David Austin and Freewill Baptist Church Pastor Theo McGlover at that time.
Prior to Ella's employment with the city of Los Angeles she attended Compton College in Compton, California.
In 1955 Ella met and married Mr. William “Bill” Butler. To this union two children were born: Valerie Kathleen Butler and Roderick Anthony Butler.
After employment with the City of Los Angeles, she took night classes until she received both her Bachelor of Science and Masters degree. Ella was an instructor at Southwest Community College for many years in Los Angeles.
Ella pursued and received her PHD at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming in 1981. In 1990, Ella moved to Denver, Colorado and worked in the Denver University Admissions Dept.
Ella Ree will forever be remembered and cherished by her daughter Valerie K. Butler Love, grandson Marcus Love, granddaughters Morgan K. Love, Kaitlyn A. Butler, Nicole A. Butler, daughter-in-law Kim J. Butler, her siblings Alta A. Ellis-Babino of Los Angeles, Eloise Ellis Crouther , Yvette and Jerry Mitchell, of Jackson, Mississippi, “Brother” Dr. Lamar Ellis and wife, Dolores of Brea, California, half brother Oliver White and wife, Brenda of Jackson , Mississippi, and brother-in-law Vernon Jasper of Jackson, Mississippi, as well as two special relatives: Annie Mae Jackson of Yazoo, MS. and Katherine Martin of Beaumont, CA. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Ella E. Butler, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.