Ellen Irine Debrola Head, age 96, passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on Thursday, December 12, 2013 in her home in Springfield, Missouri with loved ones at her side.
Ellen began her life in Bates, Arkansas on October 25, 1917, born to the late George Franklin Brown and Manda Ellen Pitts. Preceding Ellen in death was Al Debrola, the love of her life, husband, and closest friend; four sisters Bertha Lee Best, Myrtle Harris, Vera May Johnston, Eva Brown, and a brother George F Brown. After moving to Springfield, Ellen married Joe Head who has also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her sister, Mattie Dimple Johnson of Weatherford, Oklahoma; a niece Dorothy Bergner also of Weatherford, Oklahoma; a nephew, Charles L. Brown and wife Carol of Springfield, Missouri; plus numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews and a multitude of close and special friends.
Ellen grew up, was educated, and worked various jobs in parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Illinois. The highlight of her successful business career was becoming Executive Secretary for the regional Vice President of Merck Pharmaceutical Company in Chicago, Illinois, where she was highlighted upon retiring as the best sales secretary in the Merck Company across the United States.
In 1982, Ellen became a member of the East Sunshine Church of Christ. Always smiling, she loved attending church, associating with her church family, being involved in numerous church activities, participating in Ladies Bible study, going on bus trips with friends to Branson, and giving generously of her time and assets to her church, family, friends, and organizations.
She loved being able to help others by taking some of her “good soup” to those who might be sick or just needed some attention. Ellen felt helping others was her mission and the gift she had been given; she did it willingly and consistently. She always was striving to do more good works for others. One friend titled her “second miler” for Ellen would go above and beyond in all of her actions for others whether it was helping with her church, Regional Girls’ Shelter, Fair Haven Children’s Home, Boys and Girls Town and a number of other organizations.
Going antiquing with family, playing cards with friends, hosting gatherings at her home, meeting friends for lunch, attending meetings, or speaking before a group, Ellen’s sense of style, poise, and grace exuded confidence and respect for others as was always evident by her sweet smile.
Ellen will be deeply missed by all who knew her, loved her, and were close to her. She lived and hoped her life would be such that she would hear Jesus say: “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” We rejoice for her life, her love, and her faithfulness.
The family wishes to extend their deepest appreciation to the care givers of Home Sweet Home and nurses of Good Shepherd Hospice who lovingly and tirelessly assisted Ellen in her last days.
Services will be Tuesday, December 17, 2013 at Greenlawn Funeral Home South at 11:00 a.m. conducted by Mr. Joe Bright, minister of Sunset Church of Christ. Visitation will be at 10:00 in advance of the service. Interment will be in Chicago, Illinois at a later date. Memorials may be sent to Fair Haven Children’s Home, 3132 N Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757. Expressions of sympathy may be accessed at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com .