June Baughman Ellis

Beloved June Baughman Ellis, born June 17, 1921, in Portland, Indiana, died on November 27, 2019, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 98.  An intensely inquisitive, intelligent, and creative person in her prime, June died after struggling fifteen years with dementia/Alzheimer’s.

 Outside of her family, June’s greatest loves were her work, traveling, Tulane University, bridge, and a good mystery book.  Professionally, June was best known for her private practice in counseling in Fort Smith, AR.  Other highlights include her years teaching at her beloved Tulane University, countless workshops in Sweden over a ten year period and the many friendships developed there, her summer at Anna Freud’s training clinic in Manchester, England, teaching in India, working with psychiatrist Cyril Phillips at the Louisiana State Mental Hospital, and helping open the first public library in Centreville, MS.  June was the Outstanding Alumni from Tulane School of Social Work in 1984.

 June was a graduate of Martha Washington College in Fredericksburg, VA, and Tulane University, New Orleans, LA.  After college and before furthering her education, June was a fingerprint analyst for the FBI   during and after WW II in Washington D.C. and Long Beach, CA.  June also briefly taught English in Warren, AR, where she went to high school.

June’s initiative was boundless.  She was smart, creative, ambitious, and strong-willed, but at her core she was a gracious, charming Southerner who loved entertaining and good food.  She cared deeply for others and helping them reach their potential.  Her reservoir of these traits was deep; even as her dementia set in, there was still so much fire and spirit left to enjoy as she gradually declined.  In a struggle, there was no one you would want more on your side; however, this trait also made her a formidable opponent!

June is survived by her son, Ken Ellis, and his wife, Betsy; her daughter, Reyn Longino, and her husband, Joe; her sister, Betty Wells; grandchildren Katie Ellis and Lee Longino; great grandson, Kaleb Ellis, two step-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  June will be buried in her family plot with her parents in Warren, AR, on Monday, December 2, at 1:30 PM at Oakland Cemetery.  Services handled by Frazer’s Funeral Home, Warren, AR.  A celebration of life is planned in Dallas at a date to be determined.

Because June’s friends were spread out over such a broad area, the family especially appreciates your condolences and special memories of June,  cards or letters can be sent to Ken, Reyn, or Frazer’s Funeral Home at P.O. Box 751, Warren, AR, 71671. Online guestbook www.frazerefuneralhome.com