Brenda Lee Lankford Ellis was born in Stamford, TX and was raised by her grandparents, Vivian and Jacob Von Ark, in Oklahoma City, OK. Growing up, she enjoyed spending summers in their summer home in Ojo, NM.

Brenda was setup on a blind date with Ralph Joseph Ellis, Jr., and it was love at first sight for the two of them. Soon after, they married in Kingfisher, OK, and in 2018, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.  Brenda worked full time to put Ralph through college and later, graduate school.  Ralph and Brenda moved to Irving, TX where they spent 33 years.  After Ralph was established in his career, she retired and became a stay at home housewife and loving mother to their daughter, Sheryl LeAnn Ellis Bough.

She was very involved in the Catholic Church, Holy Family of Nazareth in Irving, TX, and served as president of the altar guild. Additionally, she was active in the Las Colinas Ladies Club, doing community work as well as being involved with Meals on Wheels.  She enjoyed traveling across the US on family vacations.

In 2001, Brenda and Ralph moved to the Houston, TX area to be closer to their daughter and son-in-law, Jim Bough. In 2008, Brenda and Ralph became proud grandparents to triplet "grandbabies," Macey Lee, Mallory Ann, and Mathias James Bough.  "Grandmama" cherished her new grandbabies and was very involved in their lives.  The triplets always had big smiles and even bigger hugs for her every time they saw her.   She was always known to say, "It takes a village…"

Brenda loved to read and enjoyed learning about American history throughout her lifetime. She was passionate about current events, the political arena, and had a strong love for the USA.

All of the wonderful memories of Brenda will be cherished by her family, friends and neighbors. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.