Ellen Louise Rowell was born February 13, 1955, in Amarillo, Texas, to parents Slim and Odessa Bagwell. She passed from this earthly life and joined our Lord Jesus on March 3, 2022. Anyone who knows Ellen knows she’d want them to rejoice with her in attaining this, her ultimate goal and reward.
In this life, Ellen most loved her family. Whether you were blood related or not, you were family in Ellen’s house. It made her so happy to have her children and grandchildren (including her daughters-in-law she claimed as her own) all under one roof. Even after Landon and Daylon were grown, she knew she needed a minivan to cart those 5 grandkids around with her all together. They are truly her pride and joy. When she had the kids with her, she was constantly singing, teaching about, and talking about Jesus. She shared her faith with them, whether grabbing an ICEE and a pretzel at Sam’s or worshiping together, praising God. There was always a price to pay at Big Daddy and Gamma’s house: a big hug and a kiss were the only thing that would get you a snack to keep you going.
Ellen was a giver, and was constantly involved in serving others. She worked at Cooper Middle School after the boys were old enough to drive, but she quit that job when her oldest grandson Austin needed her. He stayed with Gamma during the day while Mom and Dad were at work. She really cherished that time with him and the other grandkids she cared for on a regular basis. In recent years, she spent her days caring for her mother.
Ellen was always involved in serving in the church, as well. She was a regular Bible class teacher in the children’s classes. She was George’s partner in many ways, but notably in several door-knocking campaigns and conducting personal Bible studies with interested souls. She also taught many women the good news of Jesus on her own. She was a worker for God and has influenced many lives in helping them to strengthen their faith.
More than anything else, Ellen loved God. She would tell her loved ones that she would want nothing more than to see them again one day in heaven. Her beautiful legacy is one of service to God.
Ellen was preceded in death by her father, Slim Bagwell, and grandchildren Blaine, Chloe, Logan, and Sawyer Rowell. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, George Rowell; sons, Landon Rowell and wife Kristin, and Daylon Rowell and wife Monica; grandchildren Austin, Ashlyn, Brayden, Walker, and Kennedy; mother, Odessa Ray; sister, Linda Panky and husband Jerry; brother, Henry Bagwell and wife Amy; and many other beloved friends and family.
A memorial service will be held Monday, March 14, at 11:00 am at North MacArthur Church of Christ in Oklahoma City. The service will be streamed live at https://youtu.be/KNLESs0ZU50.
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