Mary Virginia Ellender

Mary Virginia Ellender, 76, of Lake Charles, LA, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 27, 2017 at a local hospital. Mary was born on May 21, 1940 in Lake Charles to Percy and Alice Smith Andrus.

Mary worked for years as a seamstress for local sporting goods stores including Athlete’s Corner, E&M Sporting Goods and Miller’s House for Sports. If you ever wondered who sewed those patches on the arms of all of those letterman’s jackets, it was Mary.

Dubbed “Douda” by her brother Percy, she was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She never missed a ball game when any of her children or grandchildren were playing.They were her life.

A faithful member of First Baptist Church of Lake Charles, Mary considered the members to be family as well as friends. She loved to take care of the young children, especially the babies.

Later in life, Mary moved to Landmark of Lake Charles, where she became a part of the family. She enjoyed living there and sharing her life with her many friends.

Mary is preceded in death by her parents.

Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Michelle (Robert) Tadlock, Gene (Kristi) Ellender, David (Jessica) Ellender, Elizabeth Blount Humby and Ginger Blount Westmoreland. Mary is also survived by fourteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Mary also leaves her brother Percy (Georgia Ruth) Andrus and sister Hilda (Bill) Travis along with nieces and nephews.

Mary’s family will receive guests at First Baptist Church of Lake Charles on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, from 10:00AM until 2:00PM. Funeral services will follow in the church at 2:00PM, officiated by Rev. Steve Hayes. Burial will follow at Prien Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home.