GRAND TOWER – Ruth Jestine Ellis, of Grand Tower, passed away on Monday, September 13, 2021 at her home surrounded by her loving family. Jestine was born February 2, 1927 in Granite City, Illinois to Doris and Ava (Woods) Cripps. She married General “Gen” Ellis on May 24, 1942 at Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on January 14, 2004. Jestine was of the Baptist faith. She loved spending time with her big family, talking to Riley and doing word search puzzles. Jestine is survived by her children, Bill Ellis of Evansville, IN, Lorine Ellis of Grand Tower, Jerry Ellis and wife Beverly of Grand Tower, Steve Ellis and wife Trish of Mulkeytown, Roger Ellis of Grand Tower, and Von Robertson and husband Larry of Wolf Lake; twelve grandchildren; twenty-two great- grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; and nephew, Donnie L. Cripps of Cape Girardeau; and very close friend Jonathan Ferrell who helped take care of Jestine for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Frances "Funny" Ellis; sisters, Beulah Cripps Gannon and Lorrine Cripps; and brother, Donald Eugene Cripps and niece, Rita Myers. Funeral services for Jestine will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 17, 2021 at the Meredith Funeral Chapel, Grand Tower with Jerry Ellis officiating. Burial will follow at Jerusalem Cemetery, Pomona. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral chapel on Friday. Memorials may be made to the family help with expenses.