Ellen Louise (Murphy) Blakey passed from this life into the arms of Jesus on Friday, September 25, 2026 in Sherman, Texas at the age of 78. She was born on November 13, 1947 in Peru, Indiana to parents, William Arthur Murphy and Marjorie Aletha (Gambee) Bushmeyer.

She married James “Jim” Leslie Blakey on November 28, 1964 in Columbia City, Indiana. They were married for 54 years. Together, they had two daughters, Sandy & Christy. They were the love of each others’ lives, best friends, and enjoyed birdwatching with one another.

She spent many of her years in a career nurturing children, working in the cafeteria at Tom Bean ISD and Whitewright ISD, as well as working in childcare for several children in the area. She was especially renowned for her pancakes, her stromboli that she always made for the whole family every year on Christmas Eve, and her pies, which she always seemed to make in excess for her family, the American Legion, and anyone who needed a sweet treat. She was always welcoming to even complete strangers.

Ellen is survived by her children, Sandy Farley and her husband, Steve and Christy Ruth and her husband, Tim; grandchildren, Nathan Farley and his wife, Whitney, Steven Farley, Jr., Ray Sylvaine and her husband Randy, Megan Ruth and Ryan Robbins and Ryan Ruth; great grandchildren, Nova, River, and Lily Sylvaine, Sloan and Wayne Farley. Ellen is also survived by one sister, Rosie Flora.

She is preceded in death by her husband, James Blakey; parents, William Murphy & Aletha Bushmeyer; and 4 siblings, Billie Cole, Alice Rogers, Warren Murphy, and Anna Broomfield.

Brother Larry Goodman officiated the service. Pallbearers were Steve Farley, Tim Ruth, Nathan Farley, Steven Farley, Ryan Ruth, Ryan Robbins, Frank Blakey, and Randy Sylvaine. Honorary pallbearers were Ross Cole and Phil Phillippo.

A visitation was held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Turrentine Jackson Morrow Funeral Home in Whitewright, Texas. The graveside services followed at 3:00 p.m. at Sunnyside Cemetery in Savoy, Texas.