Ellen Elizabeth Killian

Ellen E. Killian, 96, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 at Swift Creek Residential Care Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Killian, the daughter of the late Everett Monroe and Nancy Nonar (Smith) Stout, was born Oct. 16, 1921 in Big Flat, Ark. She was a member of Lone Hill Baptist Church and Grace Christian Fellowship Church. After the early death of her beloved husband in 1960 at the age of 42, Mrs. Killian assumed the operation of the family’s store, Killian’s Grocery on Hwy 67 South, which she continued to do for 45 years by herself. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and extended family and visiting with her customers, many of who were like family.

On Dec. 24, 1936, she married the love of her life James Arvil Killian in Butler County, Mo. He preceded her in death on May 14, 1960.

Survivors include three children, Renie Osborn of Poplar Bluff, Don (Sally) Killian of Village of Four Seasons, Mo. and Barbara (Don) Worley of Poplar Bluff; seven grandchildren, Shane Osborn, Bobby Killian, Kimberly Buckley, Jeff Tipton, Brian Tipton, Chad Killian and Cassie Okerstrom; 14 great-grandchildren, Josh, Mikayla, Allysa, Matthew, J.D., Leyton, Trevor, Morgan, Emma, Aiden, Lilah, Addison, Emily and Abbie; several great-great grandchildren; and a sister Jo Richards of Poplar Bluff.

Her son, Dale Killian, two brothers, Junior Stout and Joe Stout, three sisters, Verna Gowen, Mae Swaney and Marie Payne and a son-in-law, Sonny Osborn preceded Mrs. Killian in death.

Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral chapel with the Rev. Vernon Kneir officiating and Rev. Brian Sharp assisting. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.