Obituary of Joanne Ellis

ELLIS, Joanne Hutchison Joanne born February 1929, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died October 20, 2018, Tucson, Arizona. Joanne died peacefully at her home of nearly five decades in Tucson. She graduated from the University of Arizona in 1964, and dedicated her career to education. She was a reading specialist in the Tucson Public Schools for many years, and later was a tutor in reading from her home. She was active at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in neighborhood programs and Small Christian Communities. Writing groups and the many good friends who shared this interest filled later years. Joanne was the eldest daughter of Donald and Lucille Hutchison of Algona, Iowa. At the beginning of her adult life, struggling with severe rheumatoid arthritis, she moved from Algona to Tucson in 1948. She married Robert "Bob" Ellis in 1968, who preceded her in death. She is survived by her younger sister, Nancy Hutchison Newton; nephew, Michael D. Newton; nieces, E. Ann Hughes and Kathryn L. Defee; and great-nephew, Cameron L. Hughes, along with many beloved cousins. The Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Cyril's of Alexandria Catholic Church on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Arthritis Foundation. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.