Ellen Lee (Ryan) Kirkendall

Ellen Lee (Ryan) Kirkendall began celebrating her new life in heaven August 3rd, 2020, one month before she would have celebrated her 91st birthday on earth. She was born and raised in Ft. Smith, Arkansas where she met and married her husband of 54 years, and began her family. Shortly thereafter Ellen began what would become her lifelong pursuit – supporting and co-ministering with her pastor husband, while raising five children in the process. Throughout her marriage to C. S. Kirkendall, they pioneered/pastored churches in Kentucky, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. In the 17 years since her husband’s passing, she has continued in faithful Christian ministry, whether leading a “Seniors” group at church, or leading multiple Bible Studies right up until only a few months ago. Through her amazing gift of personal evangelism she led and mentored countless individuals to a saving faith in Christ Jesus. Many of those will attest how “Sister” Kirkendall’s Christian influence shaped their (and families) Spiritual lives. But to the very end, she avowed that her greatest blessings were the love of her children, and the knowledge that they all followed her in Christian faith and ministry. She will be remembered by her family for her devotion to serving God, and teaching them the same; but also as a praying mother to whom they could always count upon (as could many, many other friends and acquaintances) when in need of prayer. Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Thomas George Ryan and Iva Lee (Culverson) Latham; husband, Calvin S. Kirkendall; and sister, Fern Gering. She is survived by her children - Naomi Moore (Otis), of Shreveport, La; Calvin Kirkendall Jr (Gail), of Knoxville, Tn; Sam Kirkendall (Sharon), of Branson, Mo; Fern Taulbee (Larry), of Richmond, Ky; Vickie Tatum (Reggie), of Forest, Ms; grandchildren – Angela Daniel (David), of Shreveport, La; Landon Todd Kirkendall, of Knoxville, Tn; Dustin Kirkendall (Lindsey), of Nashville, Tn; Michele Jackson (Beau), of Branson, Mo; Tanner Kirkendall (Elizabeth), of Springdale, Ar; Scott Taulbee (Brooke), of Richmond, Ky; Jon Aaron Tatum (Breanna), of Little Rock, Ar; Christopher Tatum, of Forest, Ms; great grandchildren - Austin Daniel (Mariah), Lauren Powell (Tyler), Savanna Helms (Austin), Slayton Kirkendall, Ryker Kirkendall, Aubrey Jackson, Kirk Jackson, Emerson Kirkendall, Bryson Taulbee, Jadyn Taulbee, Tracen Taulbee, Landen Pelkey, (soon to be) Charlotte Tatum; great, great grandchildren – August Daniel, Emery Daniel, (soon-to-be) Copeland Powell; and several cousins, comprising Ellen’s wonderful family, all of whom she loved, and all of whom loved her. She will be interred at Garrett Creek Cemetery (next to her husband), south of Prairie Grove, Arkansas. Memorial service to be held September 5th (noon) at Hyland Park Church, 900 N Crossover Rd, Fayetteville, AR 72701 Fayetteville, Arkansas.