Martha Rose Herlong Ellis, age 80, a longtime resident of Fort Deposit, passed away peacefully at her home on Monday, Oct. 1, 2012. She was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, John Hagood Ellis, her parents, Rosa Fail and Julius Martin Herlong, and her daughter, Clara Ellis Johnson. She is survived by her children Eric Herlong (Patricia) Ellis, Joana Salley Ellis, and Hense Reynolds Ellis II, son-in-law Jerry William Johnson, grandchildren Martha Ellis Todd, Elijah Fielding Ellis, William Ellis Johnson and Joana Casey Johnson, and sister, Clarice Herlong Geiger.

The family expresses their appreciation for kindness shown to Mrs. Ellis by her caregivers, Lois Hale, Jearline Grant, Nicobbie Smith, and Clara Jordan.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2012, from 1–3:15 p.m. in the Fort Deposit Methodist Church fellowship hall located at 110 Milner Street, Fort Deposit, AL. The funeral will follow at 3:30 p.m. in the sanctuary with Rev. Melvin Warren, Rev. Dennis Carlson, and Rev. Josh Price officiating and Dunklin & Daniels Funeral Home directing. Graveside services will follow in Myrtlewood Cemetery.

Mrs. Ellis was a devoted and much loved teacher in Butler and Lowndes counties for over 20 years. She had a positive influence on all her students and continued to provide guidance to many of them after her retirement. She attended Lanier High School, Asbury College, Huntingdon College and AUM.

In lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted by Fort Deposit Methodist Church, Building Fund, P .O. Box 398, Ft. Deposit, AL 36032.

Online condolences may be made at www.dunklinanddanielsfh.com.