Joan Marie Ellis

Joan Marie (Larouche) Ellis, 63, of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida passed away peacefully at home on August 23, 2020 surrounded by her family. She was born to the late Morelle and Ruth Larouche, on July 5, 1957 in Bourne, Massachusetts.   Joan graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1975 and received an Associate’s degree from Troy State University. 

She is survived by her loving husband, Dwight Ellis, of Santa Rosa Beach and her children: Cathi Duggins of Prosperity, FL; Chrissy Wright of Holt, FL; Michelle Williams of Freeport, FL; Curtis (Reagan) Williams of Crestview, FL; and Jason (Kim) Ellis of Dalton, GA. She is survived by her siblings: Patti Cram of Holt, FL; Cathy (Darren) Murphy of Mary Esther, FL; Chuck (Robin) Larouche of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; and Jim Larouche of Benton, LA; and sister in-law Linda (James) Ledbetter of Fort Payne, AL. She is survived by 13 grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; a host of extended family and friends; and her 2 fur babies, Sonya and Mia. Joan was proceeded in death by her parents, Morelle (January 2020) and Ruth (February 2001), and brother-in-law, Paul Cram (September 2008). 

Joan was an artist, an avid hunter and a fisherwoman; but her greatest pleasure came from being with her children and grandchildren.  She taught them all to love without boundaries, forgive without strings and to never meet a stranger. “People you don’t know are just friends you haven’t met yet.”   

A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2020 at 10 am at the Davis-Watkins Funeral Home located at 113 Racetrack Road NE, Ft. Walton Beach, FL 32547.  In lieu of sending flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or the American Lung Association in remembrance of her.