Ellie Ruth Whelchel

Ellie Ruth Morris Whelchel passed away on October 2, 2025 in Evans, Georgia. Ellie Ruth was born in Sparta, GA on October 16, 1936 to Nellie and Howard Morris. After graduating from Thomson High School, she received a B.A in Piano Performance, from Tift College. During those years she met and married the love of her life Duward Whelchel. Together they began their mission in life: to spread the word of God through church music. Throughout her career, Ellie Ruth enriched and blessed the lives of countless others through music performance and education.

Ellie Ruth served as church pianist and organist in churches throughout Georgia. For 25 years, she was the accompanist for the Georgia Baptist Music Convention’s Jubalheirs chorus, and Youth Music Camp. She served as accompanist for regional and national Baptist music events, and joined the Jubalheirs on mission trips in North America, Central America, and Europe.

Ellie Ruth was an exceptional piano teacher, whose dedication and direction brought the love of piano performance and music into the lives of of young people, a number of whom went into church music careers and professional music performance.

Ellie is preceded in death by her husband Duward, her parents, and brother Jack Morris.

She is survived by daughter, Sheri Lea Whelchel; son Duward Whelchel Jr.; brother Robert Morris; grandchildren, Jamie Rich, Isaiah Parham, Daniel Parham, Jordan Parham, and Elias Whelchel; and great grandchildren Violet Rich and Aria Barker.

Memorials may be given to Samaritan’s Purse, and Children’s Heart Project.

The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Just Like Family Caregivers, Steven’s Creek Baptist Church, Southeast Hospice, Eileen Elliot,Trish Welch and especially sister-in-law and caregiver, Grace Morris and brother Robert Morris.