Robert was a drum major for the Monticello High School Billies Marching Band and graduated with the class of 1967. He received a BA Degree in Music from the University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1985. He became Director of Choral Activities for the Mena School District & in 1987 the Mena Middle School elected him ''Coolest Teacher Around;'' they also recognized him for his outstanding dedication and service to the district. Robert was also choir director at Mena's First Baptist Church. Later, he worked as the Monticello School District's Director of the Alternative Learning Education School; he was honored as the Monticello School's Teacher of the Year for 30+ years of dedicated service in education, with 22 years in the Monticello Schools. He retired in 2016.
Robert was a gifted musician. Many lives, young & old, were enriched during his almost 50 years of private instruction in piano & various other instruments. He was organist for Monticello's First Baptist Church for a number of years & was currently using what he felt was his God-given talent as organist for Warren's First United Methodist Church. He also served his country in the Army National Guard & then in the Army Reserve where he was the Chaplain's Assistant.
He was preceded in death by his parents & an infant brother. Robert is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bonnie Gardner Ellis, of Monticello; his daughter, Beth Ellis, of Thornville, OH; his son, Robert (Rob) Edwin Ellis, III & wife Amanda & son Brayden, of Monticello; a sister, Edwina Ellis Louthan & husband, Duane, of Bartlesville, OK; grandchildren, Deryk Grosse & Morgan Grosse of Thornville, OH; nephews, Josh Louthan & wife Lindsey & Connor Louthan & wife Kati, all of Springfield, MO; a niece, Grace Louthan, of Bartlesville, OK; & his beloved cat, Patches.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 21, 2022, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Gary Harrison officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Monday. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Monticello Music Club, c/o Frank Ferguson, 324 Bolling St. Monticello, AR 71655 or First United Methodist Church, for the benefit of adult music, 111 Church St., Warren, AR 71671. You can sign Robert's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(21)
Billie Ferrell
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 27, 2022 So very sorry to hear of this loss to our community. Prayers for the family. Mr Ellis was a kind and dedicated teacher. He will be missed!Pamela gladden
Monticello, AR Monday, February 21, 2022 My prayers and love sent to your family.Dianne Lloyd
Monticello, AR Monday, February 21, 2022 Bonnie, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Robert was a special kind of gentleman. DianneJohn & Paige (Hill) Stell
Monticello, AR Monday, February 21, 2022 Ms. Bonnie, Beth, Rob, Edwina, & family -You are all in our thoughts and prayers and we love each of you so much.
Where do I even start with sharing what Mr. Robert means to my family and me?? He has been a part of my life for all of my life. Learning to navigate without his humor, wit, contagious laugh, smile, and advice will be difficult for me also.
As a child, my memories are of him being silly with Beth and me - making us laugh and renaming us a million different names. He introduced us to ALL music but especially classical. He attempted to teach me piano with patience and grace. As an adult, he has been a shoulder to lean on, comic relief when I would be in tears, giver of advice, and always willing to help any way he could. He played for our wedding and helped arrange what pieces would be perfect for our special day. I will miss his music - always so beautiful. He always checked on our boys and loved them too.
We know Heaven is even sweeter now with Mr. Robert's musical talent in the choir. Until we see you again watch over us.
Love,
John, Paige, Jayson, Colt, Brayden, Brad, Jake (Bethany), & Jared (Marlee)
Pam Jasay Hall
Pine Bluff, AR Monday, February 21, 2022 To Bonnie and Family:I am so sorry for your loss of Robert. We worked together at the City Hall. We always had fun working together. Robert was a character and a Godley man. He will forever be missed and remembered. Prayers for strength and peace.
Pamela Jasay Hall
Pat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Monday, February 21, 2022 Bonnie, Robert was special to me. i am sorry for your loss.Pat Matthews
Judy Webb Hubbell
Wilmar, AR Sunday, February 20, 2022 I am so sorry to learn of Robert's passing. He was always a joy to be around. I have shared many, many laughs with Robert. He will be missed.KT
Monticello, AR Sunday, February 20, 2022 Prayers and condolences to Rob and family!!Jane Donham
Huntsville, AL Saturday, February 19, 2022 Bonnie and Family,May you know God's peace and cling to His comfort at this time of sudden and unexpected loss.
Cousin-in-law Jane
Becky Bolin
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 I will forever cherish the memories of the time I spent with my Buddy Robert. I’ll never forget his laugh and his quick wit. I’m sure he’s in Heaven right now entertaining everyone. I love my dear friend.Bec
Kay Barnett Ozment
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 Bonnie I’m so sorry for your loss!! Robert was a special person. I know he will be missed. Prayers going for you and family. 🙏♥️🙏TOMMY w CHAFFIN
Van Buren, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 Bonnie and family, I was so sadden to hear of My friend and Classmate passing. I have keep in touch with him by the way of facebook. I have many great memories of him as my great friend and running buddy in High School. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Praying for peace and comfort to you and your family.Lawayne young
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 I was sorry to hear of the passing of my friend. I became an admirer of his wit and ability tomake people feel good while my wife Barbara taught with and for him at MHS. Robert always took time to chat with me where and whenever we met. It was a genuine part of his nature. We will
miss these uplifting chance meetings. Bonnie, prayers are being made for you and the family.
Revs. Gary and Melissa Maskell
Magnolia, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 Robert was a consummate gentleman, a tremendous organist, and a sweet bother in the Lord! His warm smile and loving nature will always remain on our hearts. You will be missed, Pastors Gary and Melissa MaskellSharon Shook McIntyre
MONTICELLO, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 Bonnie & Family,I just heard about Robert I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of Robert over the years. He was one of a kind and so funny. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this very sad time.
In Christian Love,
Sharon
Dorothy Glover
Monticello, AR Saturday, February 19, 2022 Robert was so special to me. I will miss him.Deborah K Ashcraft
Sherwood, AR Friday, February 18, 2022 I am so sorry to hear about Robert's passing. He was such a beautiful person who could make any moment better with his jovial spirit and kind heart. If he were to write his own eulogy, I am certain that he would have us rolling in the floor with laughter. All great teachers are probably standup comedians at heart. Robert's compassion and tough love were a positive influence on many, and I saw first-hand his love for young people. Sometimes he may have seemed to be Mr. Gruff, but he was truly Mr. Sweetheart. If you honestly knew him, you loved him. RIP Gentle Hero, Robert.Raymond Chisom
Monticello, AR Friday, February 18, 2022 Bonnie, so sorry for your. Always enjoyed working with Robert when he was municipal court clerk. Even further back in school. He was great guy.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Friday, February 18, 2022 Bonnie & Family,I am so very sad to hear about Robert. He has been my lifelong friend and we spent so much time together even as children. I have such wonderful memories to cherish of him, have been blessed to call him my friend, and have been so happy to know the man he became. He was such a great friend and a wonderfully talented musician. We shared our great love for music and especially about playing the organ. My heart aches for you all. I'd love to be there for Robert's Memorial Service if I could, however I will be there with you in my heart and sending many prayers your way.
With much love & sympathy,
Janice
Juanda Craig
Arp, TX Friday, February 18, 2022 Bonnie, my heart is broken over the death of my classmate and friend. He will be greatly missed. He could always make us laugh. I pray for Gods comfort and peace to you and your family.Gail Arnold Wood
Little Rock, AR Thursday, February 17, 2022 Robert was a very good friend and we will surely miss him. I have lots of fun memories from our high school and college days.