Viola Modelle Trimble Ellis, 95, passed away Thursday, March 7, 2019. Modelle always went by her middle name, but early in life, her nickname was “Model T.” She was born at Hog Creek in Throckmorton County and grew up on a farm outside of Woodson with a family that included three brothers and three sisters. Modelle was a caregiver beginning early in life, caring for younger siblings while her mother and father, John and Lilian Trimble, did the hard work of keeping their farm and family going during the Depression years.

After graduating from high school, Modelle attended business college in Abilene and learned bookkeeping and secretarial skills. Before marrying, she had a career at Singer Sewing Company in Abilene. She married Adrian Ellis after being introduced by her future sister-in-law. She and Adrian ran Ellis Welding and Manufacturing Company in the 1960s before moving to Weatherford. Modelle and Adrian were married for 58 years, until his death in 2013.

Modelle will be remembered for her kind nature, her beautiful smile, her storytelling ability, her amazing cooking (especially baking) skills and the artistry of her beautiful and numerous quilts. Most of all, Modelle will be remembered as a caregiver. Her whole life was about service to others, whether it was starting school a year early just so she could walk her older sister to school, or providing a meal for someone in need, or sitting with a sick friend, or caring for a child or stray animal, or caring for her husband until the end of his life. She served God by serving others.

Modelle is survived by her daughter and son-in law, Adrianne and Eldon Berry; her son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Tacy Ellis; her step-son and step daughter-in-law, Cecil and Barbara Ellis; five grandchildren, who include Brent Ellis and wife Jessica, Emily Groomer and her husband Mark Carpenter, Sarah Ellis and her partner Brad Evans, Drew Ellis and wife Nicole, Claire Ellis; and three great-grandchildren, Leo Ray Carpenter, Chess William Ellis and Allie Ellis.
Graveside services were held on Friday, March 8 at the Throckmorton Cemetery. A “Celebration of Life” memorial will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 28 in Woodson, at 101 Dickie Lane. It will be come and go and the family asks that guests share a written memory of Modelle. Those who cannot attend may email a memory to tacylte@gmail.com.