Nancy Clare Ellis

Nancy Clare Ellis 1939-2025

Nancy Ellis passed away on March 2, 2025 in Carrollton, Kentucky. She was predeceased by her husband, Freddie Ellis, parents Sara and J.C. Smith, sisters Linda and Sally, and her long-time companion Carroll Hackett. Nancy is survived by her daughter Leigh Ann, son-in-law Dr. William Gruen and grandchildren Lauren, Will, and Katie. She is also survived by brothers Mike (Cathy) Smith, Joe Smith, dear family friend Carole Bond Hackett, and several nieces and nephews.

Originally from Simpsonville, Kentucky, Nancy grew up near her family’s large dairy and tobacco farm. She was the second in her family to graduate from college, following in the footsteps of her Aunt Hazel Jo. Nancy graduated with a degree in Home Economics from the University of Kentucky, which she completed while her husband Freddie served in the U.S. Air Force in Turkey. 

Nancy and Freddie later moved to Carrollton to begin his engineering business. After his premature death, Nancy stayed in Carrollton to raise her infant daughter. She completed a 27-year career in teaching, first at Carroll and Owen County Schools, then for the majority of her career at Gallatin County Schools as both a Home Economics and Science teacher. Nancy retired from Gallatin County in 1995. While teaching, she obtained her Masters Degree and Rank 1 certification, making her one of the senior teachers of her time. While at Gallatin County, she was the faculty advisor for the academic team for many years.

Nancy was a 50-plus year member of the Carrollton Christian Church, where she sang alto in the choir for most of that time. She also served as a deacon in the church. Nancy still enjoyed attending services at the Christian Church, and was very appreciative of friend and choir mate Jeanne Simpson transporting her.

One of Nancy’s proudest accomplishments was as a lifelong member of the Ag Extension Council, and their new Extension Building. She also enjoyed serving as a 4-H judge at the Carroll County Fair and was an active member in the Carrollton Woman’s Club for many years.

In her later years, Nancy enjoyed visiting Warsaw, especially lunches at Jewells with Carole Bond Hackett as well as with her daughter Leigh Ann and family. She loved seeing former students and getting caught up on their adult lives. Nancy was a loyal UK basketball fan who never missed watching a game. This continued during her residency at Fairview Place, where she was dearly cared for by the staff who treated her like family. She was always so excited when they broadcast the UK games on the large screen TV in the lobby, and would bring Cokes for her and friends. The special activities, concerts, and daily visitors at Fairview were a great joy to her while she was a resident there.

Services for Nancy will be on Friday, March 7, from 10-12 p.m. with funeral services immediately following at Tandy Eckler Riley Funeral Home, Carrollton. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Nancy’s name to either the Carrollton Christian Church or the Carrollton Public Library. Both were great sources of joy for her in Carrollton.