Ellen Couch

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Ellen Couch

of Fairfield Bay, AR

August 20, 1942 - December 12, 2020

Ellen (Thomas) Couch,78 of Fairfield Bay, AR, passed from this life on Saturday, December 12th, 2020, at her home with her family by her side. She was born on August 20th, 1942 in Jonesboro, AR, to Mr. James and Mrs. Sadie (Wade) Thomas. She was preceded in death by her parents and her daughter, Sherry Couch, as well as her siblings, Otis Thomas, Leo Thomas, Wanda (Thomas) Beakley, and Anita Thomas. Ellen is survived by her son, Terry Hatcher, her, daughter, Rhonda Lands, her grandchildren, Cari Scott and husband Nelson Scott, Malory Hatcher, Jennifer Hatcher, her great-grand daughter, Melisa Treat, a special niece, Mary Brown, and cherished cousin Diann Dee (Thomas) Hale. She also has many other family and friends who will remember her fondly.

Ellen was employed by General Electric Corporation for 20 years. While working for General Electric she worked her way through college earning her Nursing Degree. She was very proud of her RN achievement. For 17 years, she was House Supervisor at Pinnacle Point Hospital in Little Rock, AR. She was the Director of Nursing for Charter by the Sea in Georgia. She was a Nursing Supervisor at Greenleaf Behavioral Health in Jonesboro, AR. She was a trailblazer in the field Mental Health and Substance Abuse treatment and programs that positively impacted countless families. It was so important to her she completed extra education to become a RNC (Registered Nurse Counselor). She was a treatment member of the 14th Judicial District Drug Task Force. She was the secretary of CADA (Community Action on Drug Abuse) and an Adult advisor of the DFYIT (Drug Free Youth in Town). She chartered and promoted the annual July 4th picnic, ''Independence from Drugs Day'' for those recovering from substance abuse and was on the board of the Women's Recovery Center. She was so loved and respected in the nursing field that a few nurses even traveled to Georgia from Arkansas to work for Ms. Ellen.

Her greatest love was family gatherings and spending quality and quantity time with her family whom she loved. She loved spending her time at the lake. Ellen couldn't swim, but she could definitely ski in her younger days. She was absolutely delighted in the lives of her precious Cari and Melisa. She was always thinking of others from asking what Melisa, her great granddaughter wanted for her birthday while in ICU post-surgery, to sending extra McDonalds coupons to family members kids, to traveling to Indiana for the birth of her 3rd cousin's child, to finding the perfect embroidered gift for a couples wedding she had just met. She enjoyed traveling to see new areas of the country, and if there was a nearby Casino, she would have to check it out. She was involved in many community functions and activities. She was enthusiastically active in politics and was proud of the Democratic process. Ellen loved her time spent with the Yacht Club of Fairfield Bay.

Rhonda, her daughter, can't remember a time when they spent more than a few days apart. Everyone that knows Ellen and Rhonda's relationship knows their love needs no statement. Terry, her son, remembers the love and laughs only a mother and son could share. He was given the opportunity to move closer to be in her presence every day for the past year and remembers watching Wheel of Fortune and CNN with Ellen daily.

Ellen was very close to her cousins, the Thomas sisters, Diann "Dee" Thomas Hale, Eileen Thomas Bolrigini, Sharon Thomas Messer, Pamela Thomas Scott, and Betty Carol Thomas Garrison. She enjoyed CRAZY fun annual gatherings with her cousins who she considered more like sisters. Dee loved Ellen so much that she moved all the way to Fairfield Bay to be close to her.

Memories:

Ellen wasn't Ellen to me, she was Memaw. My whole life she was my Memaw and she always will be. There aren't enough words in the world for me to express how much she meant to me, to tell all of the fun adventures we had, all of the laughs and inside jokes we shared, and all of the times one of us said ''shhh... don't tell anyone but''¦'' I will miss the gossip we would have when I would come over in the morning for coffee. She was so proud of her ''Great Grand'' Melisa. Melisa is about 50 percent of what we would talk about on those mornings. If you knew her, I am sure you heard lots of bragging about her precious Melisa Cheyenne. I don't think I ever saw her smile as big as she did when Melisa would walk in her door. She was always there for me in any way I needed her, and I will forever be grateful for her kindness. If I had known what was coming, I would have done things differently. I would have done all of the things people usually say like call more, and visit more often, but, I would have immediately went to the salon and got my hair dyed platinum blonde ;) I miss her every day and I know that won't change so I am choosing to remember the happy times. I will never know another person who cared about me the way she did, someone who would do anything to put a smile on my face, and I will definitely never know someone who will talk to me for 30 more minutes after we've already said goodbye 3 times and send me home with at least 3 random items and a newspaper clipping that I might want to read. I love you so much Memaw and I can't wait to share all the juicy gossip with you when we see each other again. ~ Cari Scott

My grandparents passed away when I was a little kid, I really don't have many memories of them. Ellen made me part of her family, she made me feel loved and wanted, she became my Memaw too. Memaw was always up for a good conversation, she was intelligent and engaging and I always enjoyed our talks. Conversations with Memaw will be greatly missed. She will be missed but never forgotten. ~ Nelson Scott

This is a great memory that I have. My brother Preston and Ellen were driving to Dallas together when my daughter Cari was born. He said ''I don't know what the baby will look like but she has the best looking grandmother I've ever seen'' ~ Randy Tate

Roller McNutt is honored to be entrusted with Ellen's arrangements. To sign her guestbook visit: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.

Sign Guestbook

36 Condolence(s)
Tommy Hunter
Little Rock, AR
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Friday, April 8, 2022

I Love you Ms. Ellen. I just found out you had passed away. you had a positive affect on me. You reminded me of my mother
Wow.

Tracy Parker
Little Rock, AR
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Saturday, January 2, 2021

I’m saddened to hear of Ms. Ellen’s passing!! She will certainly be missed!! Rest Easy.......

Sarita Sullivan
Little Rock, AR
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Saturday, December 26, 2020

I worked with Ellen at Pinnacle for years. Ellen was the day supervisor and I was the night supervisor. Was lucky enough to get to spend about two hours every weekend with Ellen. I learned so much from her. Ellen’s kindness and genuine love and compassion will remain with me always.

Lisa Hassell
Jerusalem, AR
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Monday, December 21, 2020

Ellen hired me to work weekends at Pinnacle 13 years ago . Best boss I ever had in 35 years of Nursing. I found a great friend and confident in Ellen. She was kind , thoughtful , fun and always there to do the right thing. I love Ellen and will miss my friend . Her family created a great memorial .....she would be so proud. You captured her soul to share with everyone. Rest in peace dear Ellen ❤️💙

Jerry and Linda Long
GREERS FERRY, AR
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Monday, December 21, 2020

We are proud to have known you and to have grown up with you. You will be so missed around here. We love you Ellen and look forward to seeing you again !! Jerry and Linda Long

Stephen F Amaral
Crossville, TN
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Sunday, December 20, 2020

Aunt Ellen, many are missing you right now and so am I. You've been involved in my life since I was 3-4 years old. At that age, you and Uncle Leo Thomas made a special trip to California to pick up Mom, Eddie and I in your new Mustang. We had just started passing through Dallas, Texas, when the news came on and said President Kennedy had just been shot. Years later, I moved to Arkansas from California, to live with my Grandparents, Manuel & Leona Smith; you lived just 4 houses up the gravel road, on old W. Matthews. It was there when I really grew close to my cousins, Rhona, Terry and Sherry (Sissy) RIP. You and Uncle Dale took me to the lake with you guys. That was my first exposure to water skiing. I remember watching you and Terry crossing back and forth until I watched you collide. What a scare. The U.S. Navy took me away, off and on 24 years, but we stayed in touch, even though long distances was most often the culprit keeping us apart. I only knew and felt love, anytime I was around you. You spent many years caring for others, even those whom others had given up on. That is the person with whom I was honored and privileged to call my Aunt Ellen. All my Love Always. I've seen some distant cousin's names on here already. Wishing each of you continued prayers of healing, as we together, struggle with the painful loss of a beautiful woman we all loved dearly. I Love Her. To my distant cousins, love to each of you too! R.I.P. Aunt Ellen Couch. xoxoxo. Enjoy your reunion with those who left before you.

Anna Marie Beakley Decker
Hoxie, AR
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Saturday, December 19, 2020

I Love and Miss You Aunt Ellen.

Sheila Porter
Little Rock, AZ
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Saturday, December 19, 2020

Ms. Ellen had a beautiful soul. She was beautiful inside and out. She was my weekend supervisor at Pinnacle Pointe Hospital. She was the most fair and honest person I ever met. I loved working for this special lady and I will miss her. I will have a lifetime of memories of her. Rest In Peace my Love. For you are missed but never forgotten💕🌹😇

Dexter Wilson
Jonesbiro, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

Aunt Ellen was Larger than life to me. Always a great example of how to rise above the circumstance you are given. In one word,Hope. Thanks for just being there.

George and Cara DeRoeck
Little Rock, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

We were so saddened to hear of Ellen's passing. May memories give you peace and comfort.

Sherrie James
Little Rock, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

When I first met Ellen over 15 years ago, I was her boss, but the majority of those years, I was blessed enough to be able to call her my friend. She was one of the most special people I have ever known. The support, caring, compassion and loyalty she demonstrated was amazing!
I miss her terribly and I cannot imagine the magnitude of the loss her family feels. I pray that you find peace and healing.
RIP, my dear, sweet friend! 💕

Larry Wayne Parish
Jonesboro, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

Aunt Ellen was like a mother to me when I was growing up. She always took good care of me while mother was away and treated me as her own. I will always cherish the time I spent with her. I know she is in heaven. Cause she loved the lord and taught me about Jesus. I am thankful for all the time I had with her sharing the bible. She never let me down If I needed something she was always there. I will always remember Aunt Ellen. In my adult years she was like a big sister to me. We were very close. I love her and miss her very much. My condolences to her children Terry, Rhonda. I will always love you.

Celia Banting
Little Rock, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

I am so grateful to have had you come into my life. I love you very dearly and will miss you always. Thank you for everything you ever did for me. Rest beautiful lady xxx

LaNell Hergenroeder
Newport, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

I really don’t know where to begin! Our life’s touched in 80s at Greenleaf hospital and been blessed to have been friends! So so many memories... fun and hard times at work. I really don’t have the words to describe her but we all knew she had our backs! She is loved and will be missed!!!!

Bobbie Stallinggs
Jonesboro, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

My sincere condolences to each of Ellen’s family members. She was a wonderful friend to me. I have many wonderful memories of our personal and professional relationships, and the many fun trips we took together. She loved her family so very much, and each of you gave her so much love and joy.

Linda and Durand Gallion
Brookland, AR
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Friday, December 18, 2020

Blessed to have known her and her family. Mom and I will miss her. Much love for the family

Kim Jackson
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

She was a great lady and an outstanding supervisor.

Shane Frazier
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Ellen was special. We all meet many people in this life, but every once in a while we are blessed to connect with someone we feel we were meant to meet. Ellen was one such person in my life. I enjoyed her spirit, her heart, her integrity, and her intellect.

It's a bit comical to think I was her "boss" during the course or our relationship. I feel she was the boss!

She knew how badly I wanted to be a father, and gave me a "dad" picture frame 2 months before I had any idea we were about to adopt our first son...just to show her support and encouragement. My first son was adopted 2 months later, and that frame currently holds a picture of my TWO sons, and sits on my first son's nightstand.

She left a mark on my life for certain.

Vanessa Amond
Port Arthur, TX
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

My deepest condolences go out to Rhonda Lands and the family. You all are in my prayers. #FromLabor2Reward #Blessings

Renee Houston
Paragould, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Aunt Ellen was a very special lady to me. Growing up she has always been around just for the fun stuff, then even after I got married and my kids were getting married she always made special trips to come to the showers and the weddings. And that meant so much to me and my family. We are gonna miss her so much.
Love you Rhonda you and the family are in our prayers!!

Casey Myers
Perryville, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

I loved working with Ellen. She was so wise and so funny. She knew her stuff and lived what she did. She was always putting everyone else above herself. She was a peach in a world full of lemons! She was very loved by this girl.

Angela Otoo-Anaman
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Ellen was a most wonderful supervisor and friend. She was a hoot working for her. No matter how busy or crazy the shift was, you could always depend on Ellen for her expertise.
What a beautiful soul, heaven is lucky to have her. I will miss dear friend.

Ruben L Johnson
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Prayers are with you

Stephanie Norvell
Little Rock, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Heartfelt prayers goes out to the family and friends, may the Lord bring you comfort during this time of sorrow, remembering the precious times and the love you all shared. Mrs. Ellen will missed by so many. Blessings to you all. Willie and Stephanie

Eileen Boldreghini
Paragould, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

To my precious cousins Rhonda, Terry, Cari , and Melissa , I love you and I am
praying and praying for comfort for y’all.
How I love my cousin ( sister) Ellen and I know love never ends .
My mind still can’t seem to process that she is not here on this earth . But the light Ellen had while she was here will most certainly keep shining on us all. We just spoke not long ago I told her thank you for all she had done for me and most of all for her unconditional love. She and Victor had some long talks to encourage and help each other through the same health issues. We were making plans to all get together this
summer. Hold your family tight because we not promised next days, next summers or even one more day.
Ellen gave me confidence when I had none and help when I was in such need. When my daughter Cari Chantelle was in a dangerous situation in her pregnancy, Ellen and my sister Dee drive all the way to Indy to help and stayed for her surgery until and until Kylen was out of the woods.
Our Thomas family have always been close and Ellen leaving our family circle is something that only God can help us with . Praise God that He made a way for us to be together again , through his son Jesus .

Jayme Hejl
Benton, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Thank you to the family for sharing all the wonderful pictures of Ms. Ellen. When I first started working at Pinnacle 15 years ago, Ms. Ellen was the weekend supervisor. I so enjoyed visiting with her and hearing about her family every weekend. When we would camp at JFK on the Little Red, she would come over and visit and take our excess trout. We always had an invite to visit her at the lake, and I’m so sad we never took her up on the invite. Since she retired, I’d enjoyed keeping up with her on FB. I know as much as her work family will miss hearing from her, her family will surely miss her more. We were blessed to have known such a kind, caring lady. Peace be with her family, thank you for sharing her with us. ♥️

evone Johnson
Chicago, IL
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

love you RIP

evone
Chicago, IL
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

I love you RIP

Mary Brown
Fisher, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

I always had the best time with Aunt Ellen, Terry, Sherry and Rhonda. I never wanted to go home, I always wanted to stay, but Mom always made me go home. I have so many precious and priceless memories. We would go to the roller rink, bowling alley, the lake, swimming parties or just hang out. Sherry, Rhonda and myself would sneak a beer at the lake if we got a chance. Lol. Rhonda always put salt on hers. Lol. Good Times!!! Love and prayers to all❤️

Donna Whitley
Southaven, MS
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Sending Prayers and love!! I always enjoyed being your mom. Heaven has gotten a lot of good angels to watch out for us🌷💕

Donna Whitley
Southaven, MS
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Sending Prayers and love!! I always enjoyed being your mom. Heaven has gotten a lot of good angels to watch out for us🌷💕

Diamond Lowe
Norfork, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Ellen was so much fun I will miss her tremendously. She always thanked me for trying to help her when we were out. I love u Ellen r.i.p

Carolyn Hancock
Bono, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

She was my Beautiful Aunt Ellen, I am her sister Arita Harris Daughter Carolyn Hancock There was always a closest to her that I will forever be thankful for ... she will be in my heart forever Carolyn

Karen Tester
Bee Branch, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Ellen was a kind & gentle spirit! Wonderful person! I worked with her at Greenleaf in the mid-1990's. She will certainly be missed! So sorry for your loss!

Diann Dee hale
Fairfield Bay, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Ellen and I have been best friends for over 50 years. When we lived in separate cities we were always taking trips together and then when I moved to Fairfield Bay we only lived 5 minutes apart. We didn't travel out of state as much but went out to eat, went to the lake, went on picnics with our kids and grandkids. My grandson called her grandma.

Ellen was my cousin but more like a sister to me and my four sisters. I have so many memories of her. We went through some good times together but also some not so good. We were always there for each other.

She will be missed forever.

Rhonda Lands
Fairfield Bay, AR
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Thursday, December 17, 2020

Mom you are in my heart ❤️ Forever!!!!! You were the best daycation, staycation, and vacation partner in all the universe! I miss you more than word can describe, but I know you are able to dance and play all you want and you don’t have to get out of breath. I will continue on with the love, laughter, integrity, compassion, kindness and sweet controlling guidance 😄that you instilled in me!!!!! I feel like I’m missing part of myself since you left this world, but I know you will never leave my heart. You are loved by so so many.