Verbal Mae Cushman Ellis, age 81 of Krotz Springs, La. passed away on Monday, June 29, 2026.

Funeral services for Verbal Ellis will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Lafond Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel in Krotz Springs, La. Father Henry Antony will officiate the services. Burial will follow in the St. John Catholic Church Cemetery in Melville, La.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A rosary will be recited Wednesday evening at 6:00 p.m. The funeral home will re-open on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Pallbearers will be Phillip Ellis, Brock Ellis, Noah Speyrer, Blake Kimble, Charles Fontenot and Danny Wiltz. Honorary pallbearers will be Derek Fontenot, Shane Wiltz, Paul Wiltz and Ray Richard.

Today we celebrate the beautiful life of Verbal Ellis—a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and treasured friend. She was the heart of her family, life of the party, and a light in the lives of everyone who knew her. To know Verbal was to know joy. She had a rare gift for making every person she met feel loved, welcomed, and important.

Verbal was one of the most generous, kind, and caring people you could ever know. She never met a stranger, and she had an incredible way of making everyone feel like family. She loved deeply and gave freely, whether it was a warm meal, a comforting hug, a listening ear, or simply her time. She had a heart of gold that was always open to others.

One of Verbal’s greatest gifts was her sense of humor. She loved to laugh, loved to tease, and had an unforgettable ability to make others laugh right along with her. She could brighten any room with her quick wit and infectious smile. Whether she was telling stories around the dinner table or sharing a joke with a friend, she made every gathering a little happier. She had a way of making each person feel like they were the most important one in the room.

Her most precious gift were her grandchildren and her grand dogs, Zack, Cupid, Cowboy, Levi, Pug, Koda, Knox and Henry. Children held a special place in Verbal’s heart. Every child she met was instantly “adopted” as one of her own grandchildren. Before long, they were all calling her “MawMaw Verbal,” and she loved every minute of it. Her love wasn’t limited to family by blood—it extended to anyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Verbal found joy in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time crabbing, cooking for those she loved, and visiting with family, friends, and neighbors. Her famous fried chicken became legendary among those who knew her, and no one ever left her home hungry. She believed food brought people together, and her kitchen was often filled with laughter, conversation, and love.

A devoted Catholic, Verbal lived her faith every day through compassion, generosity, humility, and service to others. Her life was a beautiful example of selfless love, and her legacy will continue through the countless lives she touched.

Her greatest blessing and accomplishment was her family. She is survived by her loving children, Michael “Scotty” Ellis (Sabrina), Brad Ellis (Lacy), and Stephanie Speyrer (Steve). She was the proud grandmother of 5 grandchildren. Phillip Ellis (Meghan), Alexis Kelly (Brandon), Lilly Ellis, Brock Ellis, and Noah Speyrer. She was the adoring great-grandmother of William and Caroline Ellis, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Sybil Kimble and Joyce Fontenot; her brother, Anthony Cushman, sister-in-law Tammy Cushman; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and countless friends whose lives were forever enriched by her love.

Verbal was preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted husband, James Ronald Ellis; her parents, Jermaine and Charles Cushman; her brother, Charles Cushman, and the light of her life great grandson Bennett Ellis.

Though our hearts ache with her passing, we rejoice in the incredible life she lived and the memories she leaves behind. Her laughter will echo in our hearts, her recipes will be shared around our tables, her kindness will inspire our actions, and her unwavering love will remain a blessing to all who knew her.

The world is a better place because Verbal Ellis was in it. Her love knew no boundaries, her generosity had no limits, and her joyful spirit will never be forgotten. Until we meet again, we will carry her memory in our hearts and strive to love others as faithfully and wholeheartedly as she loved us. She is now resting peacefully in the arms of our savior Jesus.

Her legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Verbal will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the memories, stories, and lives she touched.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com

Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Krotz Springs, 239 8th Avenue, Krotz Springs, LA 70750, (337) 942-2638, has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.