Ellen Elaine Rhea of Ponca City, Oklahoma, died Sunday, morning April 17, 2011, at Shawn Manor Nursing Home in Ponca City Oklahoma, at the age of 87 years.

Ellen Elaine Rhea was born on October 13, 1923, in Blackwell, Oklahoma, to Jesse and Zelma Nadine (Hood) Foster. She grew up in Blackwell attending Blackwell Public Schools. After her education she married Joush Robert Rhea on March 31, 1939, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma, and they made their home in Blackwell where she served her family as a homemaker. In 1998 they moved to Ponca City, Oklahoma. On July 6, 2006, her husband preceded her in death and she continued to make Ponca City her home. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Ponca City. She enjoyed crocheting and loved to spend time with her family and having family gatherings.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara A. Helnore of Ponca City, Oklahoma, and Ella Marie Rhea of Blackwell, Oklahoma; three grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; twin daughters; one son, Robert A. Rhea; one granddaughter, Lisa Beth Rhea; one sister; and one brother.

Graveside services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Friday, April 22nd in the Blackwell Cemetery with Rev. Matt Smith of Immanuel Baptist Church in Blackwell officiating. Burial will follow at the Blackwell Cemetery.

A memorial has been established with Carter Hospice c/o Roberts and Son Funeral Home, 120 W. Padon, Blackwell, Oklahoma 74631.