Ella Marie Leaming

January 13, 1936 - November 24, 2020

Ella Marie Leaming, 84, passed away November 24, 2020 at St. Luke’s Nursing Home in Carthage. Ella was born January 13, 1936 to Bud and Marcella “Trimble” Sunderland on the family farm in Jasper; she was their only child. For eight years, she attended a rural one-room schoolhouse and four years at Jasper High School, where she made many lifetime friends. From the age of 10, she was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Ella Marie loved children and baby sat for 30 years. She also worked at Big Smith for two years. She was known for baking chocolate chip cookies for her children. When the school bus dropped them off, they would head for the kitchen . . . so would the rest of the kiddos that got off at the same stop. She was also a seamstress and made many outfits for her family and others. Ella loved flowers, so she always had flower gardens and would share her bounty with friends. Ella Marie was saved and baptized on September 17, 1960 at Grand Avenue Church of God. Later, she renewed her faith at Victory Baptist Church. After graduation, Ella and the love of her life, Roger Leaming, were united in marriage at her parent’s country home. At the tender age of 17-1/2, she was told it wouldn’t last, but after 62 years, Roger passed away in November 2015. They enjoyed the monthly gospel sing-alongs and traveling, which included all 50 states, Europe and Caribbean cruises. Ella Marie is survived by her three children, Sandy of Arkansas, Steve of Overland Park, KS and Cheryl of Jasper; eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; a special brother-in-law, Charlie Leaming, and his sister, Linda Schanfarber. Ella Marie was preceded in death by one daughter, Cindy, in 1997. Visitation will be held from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2020 at Ulmer Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will follow at Hackney Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.ulmerfh.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.