12/16/2025
Henry “Ellis” Williams, age 92, of Lovilia, IA, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House in Pella, IA.
Ellis was born on October 31, 1933, at home in Monroe County, IA, to Joseph and Goldie (Clair) Williams. He grew up attending North Castle country school and later served his country in the United States Army. On May 4, 1958, he was united in marriage to Joan Hackett at the Christian Church in Albia. Ellis and Joan were blessed with 67 years of marriage prior to his passing.
Ellis had a lifelong passion for farming and operated a cow/calf operation for many years. He also worked at Chamberlains in Albia and Pella Corp. His faith was very important to him, and he was a longtime member of Cornerstone Church. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting, especially deer and pheasant. He was a member of the Saddle Club. In his younger years, he enjoyed trap shooting and riding Brahman bulls. Above all else, Ellis cherished spending time with his family and friends. He loved well and was well loved.
Ellis is survived by his wife, Joan; 4 children, Lorraine (Rick) Bricker, Chris (Mark) Dickerson, Mark (Sandi) Williams, and John (Lori) Williams; 13 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren and 1 on the way; 1 great-great grandchild; and a sister, Dorothy Johns. Ellis is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and good friends.
He is preceded in death by a daughter, Kay; a son, Steven Ellis in infancy; his parents, Joe and Goldie; a brother-in-law, Paul Johns; and a nephew, Paul Johns.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Ellis’s family present to greet family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Ryan Smith and Pastor Paul Hughes officiating. Military honors provided by the American Legion of Albia, Lovilia, and Melrose will immediately follow the funeral service at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lovilia at a later date.
A memorial has been established to Cornerstone Church in Albia.
Condolences to the family may be left online at www.tharpfh.com.
