Sharon Kay Young Ellis

Sharon Kay Young Ellis passed into eternal peace on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in the loving arms of her daughter, son, granddaughters, and son-in-law. Sharon was a singular and irreplaceable woman, so extraordinarily warm-hearted and funny that everyone she knew looked forward to seeing her. She was endlessly dedicated to the folks she loved; she engaged with them deeply and without pretense, making them feel known and valued. Her family was her world and her life’s work. Her buoyant, distinctive voice, enlivened by her enthusiasm for storytelling and her rich Arkansas twang, will be with us always. 

Sharon was an inveterate “people person,” always ready to chat or tell a tale. She loved her children and grandchildren, white perch fishing, plenty of Coca-Cola and good sweet tea, tending to her roses and begonias, watching college sports with her husband and son, RV camping, word finds, Percy Sledge and Elvis albums, four-generation girls’ trips to Branson, solid old Methodist hymns, relaxing on the porch with an eye out for hummingbirds and bluebirds, saltwater taffy, her doted-upon cat, Layla-belle (now cozy in her son’s care), and chatting with the many drop-in visitors at the family home, nestled on a bayou inlet on Cross Lake’s south shore.

Her family will remember her as a bedrock of constancy and comfort, standing steadily in the eye of the storm with her ever-handy cosmetic bag, putting on her lipstick and earrings to face life’s next challenge. In a wider world of relentless change, she remained a safe harbor for her family, always ready to pick up the phone and talk (except for a couple of hours on Ralph & Kacoo’s night). Her unreserved, full-hearted presence made her a favorite playmate of her grandkids. She kept a space of understanding and belonging for her family, playfully squabbling with her husband and kids while constantly prioritizing their best interests. She moved on from this world assured of her loved ones’ well-being; it is possible she may never have consented to her hard-earned eternal rest otherwise.

She was born Sharon Kay Young in DeQueen, Arkansas, on November 3rd, 1939, to Morris William and Eugenia Johnson Young. One of three siblings, she formed a tight bond with her sisters, Sue and Pat, that lasted throughout her lifetime. After moving to Shreveport in her teens, she went on to graduate from Fair Park High School in 1958. There, as a blonde beauty who played alto saxophone and dressed with sassy flair, she met Frank Charles Ellis. They quickly became inseparable, marrying on October 6th, 1961, and remaining hand-in-hand partners in life for 62 years. They raised a daughter and son of whom they were immensely proud, and they were profoundly involved in the lives of their granddaughters. Sharon eventually retired as bookkeeper for Frank’s company, Ellis Sheet Metal, but she continued on in her primary roles of wife, mother, and dutiful household manager.

Sharon is greeted in heaven by the love of her life, Frank, whose death last April began their longest time apart since their courtship; her adored mother and father, whom she spoke of with great affection long past their lifetimes; and her mother-in-law, Mary Ellis, who loved her dearly. We know she is thrilled to catch up with her best friend, Rosie Mitchell.

Sharon is survived by her beloved sisters, Sue Lambert and Patricia Smith, her daughter, Kelley Ellis Olinde, with whom she shared an exceptionally close and loving relationship, and her son,  Josh Randall Ellis, to whose care she was devoted selflessly over the past two decades; her treasured son-in-law, Michael Olinde, whom she trusted deeply; the granddaughters who cherish her always, Rhagen Olinde and Taylor Olinde; bonus grandchildren, Jennifer Olinde and Michael Olinde, Jr.; and Rhagen’s partner, Laurel and daughter, Madeline. Special thanks to Sharon’s “other daughter,” Colleen Warren, who helped steadfastly as she aged, and to Frank and Anna Peske, the friends and neighbors who helped make it possible for Sharon and Frank to live in their own home longer. Sharon spent the last several years of her life happily with her husband and son at Sunrise Senior Living of Baton Rouge, near to her daughter and son-in-law and surrounded by warmth and attention from an exceptional staff. Her family is grateful to that care staff and to her dedicated hospice nurse, Sally.

Visitation will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Rose-Neath South (2500 Southside Drive in Shreveport), from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a service to celebrate Sharon’s life beginning at 1:00 p.m. and interment to follow at Forest Park West Cemetery. Honoring Sharon as pallbearers will be Michael Olinde, Jim Smith, Jimmy Smith, Chris Warren, Brad Ellis, and Chad Ellis. Her honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Gentry, Robert Mitchell, John Paul Ellis, and Frank Peske. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html