Ellen Roberta Holley

Ellen Roberta (Davis) Holley passed away peacefully at her home in Glen Allen, Missouri on December 27, 2025 at the age of 96 surrounded by her family. Known and loved by many, she answered to “Mom”, “Mother”, “Grandma”, “GG”, “Bert”, “Aunt” and she called a cherished few “My dear friend”. Up until the end, Roberta remained a woman of kindness and compassion, always appreciative of the beauty around her and, most of all, unwavering in her devotion to her family. Born near Patterson Missouri, on December 23, 1929, Roberta was the beloved daughter of the late Lloyd and Myra (Bacon) Davis. Growing up as the daughter of a sharecropper, she experienced a childhood marked by frequent moves and the challenges of a difficult era-experiences that shaped her resilience and gave her a wealth of stories she would share throughout her life. Despite the hardships, she always spoke with deep affection for her parents and her three cherished siblings Cletus, Barbara “Bootie” and Oliver, whose bond remained strong through every chapter. After graduating from Fredericktown High School, she moved to St. Louis, where she worked briefly as a secretary. It was there she was set up on a blind date with the man who would become her husband, Leo Wayne Holley. The story goes, he agreed to the date on one condition: “only if she was a redhead.” As it turned out, she was and they were married in March of 1949. Their life together became the chapters of a beautiful story. Leo passed away March the 5th 2000. “The Farm” on Castor River was the place where her spirit felt most at home. She lived here with her husband where they built a life and raised their 4 children, Gene Mark, Ernie, Jennifer and Jeffrey. She saw only beauty in the landscape, trees, sunsets and nature that surrounded her. She resided on “The Farm” nearly 70 years. Without a doubt, the greatest joy in her life were her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She poured her heart into teaching, nurturing, and caring for them-always ready to baby sit, lend a listening ear, or cheer them on at every event she could attend. Her love for them was boundless, and her grandchildren held a special place in her heart-affectionately known as her “kiddies.” In her lifetime, Roberta lived a life rich in creativity and quiet strength. Gifted with an exceptional memory, she was a natural storyteller-able to recall and share family history and cherished moments with vivid detail and warmth. Her love of reading filled her mind with knowledge and imagination, and she had a graceful way with words that made her letters, notes, and reflections especially meaningful. Throughout her days, her hands were rarely still. She found joy in sewing and crocheting, crafting beautiful pieces that became treasured keepsakes. She often made her own clothes, as well as those of her children and grandchildren, each displaying a unique touch like no other. In the kitchen, her meals became memories-always served warm and always made with love. She lovingly shared countless treasured recipes, each one a reflection of her passion for cooking, inspiring many to find joy and creativity in the kitchen. Her culinary legacy will live on in many recipe boxes, cookbooks and at family gatherings around the table. A certified Master Gardener, Roberta nurtured her plants with the same care she gave to those around her. Her flower gardens were a place of peace and purpose, blooming with color and life. She was a dedicated 4-H Club host and youth camp volunteer at Bootheel Youth Camp, mentoring young people, teaching them not only practical skills but also the value of patience, kindness, and hard work. Her ability to “make do with little” was a testament to her resourcefulness and she passed that wisdom on to many people that she met. Her faith was unwavering, reflected in the grace and kindness she extended to others each day. A devoted member of the Fredericktown Church of Christ, she faithfully attended services and shared her love for scripture by teaching Sunday school. When she could no longer drive, she found joy in attending the Marble Hill Church of Christ. Throughout her life, she lived out her beliefs with humility and a steadfast commitment to her Christian values. Roberta’s life was a beautiful patchwork of stories, service, and simple joys. She leaves behind a legacy of love, creativity, and resilience that will continue to inspire all who knew her. In addition to her parents and her husband Leo she was preceded by two sons Eugene Holley and Ernie “E.J.” Holley; a brother, Cletus Davis; and a sister, Barbara (Davis) Sargent. Survivors include her daughter, Jennifer (Jerry) Trentham; son, Jeffrey Holley; daughter-in-law, Diane Holley; brother, Oliver Davis; grandchildren, Holley Hukel (Brian), Jada Long (Shaun), Elisha Morrison (Scott), Lucas Trentham (Christal), Jenna Wright (Donnie); great grandchildren, Grace Williams, Olivia Hukel, Abbey Williams, Gavyn Morrison, Lilley Long, Breanna Morrison, Madalyn Long, Ella Hukel, Lacey Long, Nolan Wright, Audrianna Wright, Lauren Wright, Anna Trentham, Barron Trentham, and Elizabeth Trentham; as well as many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Friday, January 2, 2025 from 11:00-1:00 at Ford-Liley Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 with Bro. Vernon Curry officiating. Burial will follow the service at Rowland Woods Cemetery in Patterson, MO. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Madison Medical Center and Legacy Hospice.

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Ellen Roberta Holley

December 23, 1929 - December 27, 2025