Antoinette Ellis

Antoinette "Toni" Ellis, 95 of Altavista, VA, formerly of Franklin passed away at 2:57 AM, Sunday May 17, 2015 at Lynchburg General Hospital in Lynchburg, VA.

Born June 8, 1919 in Franklin she was a daughter of the late Frank and Lena Catanzaro Leta.

Toni attended Scared Heart Academy and then graduated from Franklin High School.

Over the years, she worked as an X-Ray Technician at the former Franklin Hospital for Dr. Hoffman. She also worked as a secretary for the City of Franklin, the Franklin Library and at St. Patrick Church.

She was a longtime active and faithful member of St. Patrick Church.

Toni was involved in many organizations including, The Red Hat Society, Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, Catholic Daughters of America, Confraternity of Christian Mother's and the Women's Club of Franklin.

Family was everything to Toni; she was the happiest when she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Toni was instrumental in helping to orchestrate many family reunions and loved when family could all be together.

Everyone who knew Toni, knew about her homemade Pasta Frita that she made for family and friends.

On February 24, 1946, she married Edward Dale Ellis and he preceded her in death on May 16, 1981.

Surviving are four sons: Edward D. Ellis II and his wife, Wendy, of Richmond, VA, Frank T. Ellis of Charleston, SC, James P. Ellis of Franklin, and William L. Ellis of Franklin; one daughter, Mary Eakin and her husband, Stephen, of Altavista, VA; three brothers: Joe Leta and his wife Gwen, Paul Leta and his wife Betty, Frank Leta and his wife Toni; two sisters: Mary Bagnato and Angela Moulton and her husband Russ; a sister-in-law, Jane Judson, and a brother-in-law, Tom Ellis.

Additionally surviving are 16 grandchildren; Edward E. "Trip" Ellis III, Matthew Ellis, Ned Haskins, Luke Ellis, Christine Sullivan, Thomas Ellis, Angelena "AJ" Ellis, Chad Ellis, Nic Ellis, Tony Ellis, Nathan Eakin, Bradford Eakin, Natalie Angell, Maria Wyatt, Matthew Eakin and William D. Ellis and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters; Nina Kemler, Josephine Puleo and Anne Pangallo and two brothers, John Leta and Joseph Leta.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 West Park St., Franklin where family and friends are welcome from 2:00 - 4:00 & 6:00 - 8:00 PM Thursday.

A vigil service will be held at 3:30 P.M. Thursday in the funeral home with Deacon Richard O'Polka, officiating.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Friday at St. Patrick Church, 949 Liberty St., Franklin with Monsignor John J. Herbein, officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Patrick Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to St. Patrick Church, 949 Liberty St., Franklin, PA 16323.