Ellenann Howton, age 73, a resident of East Prairie, MO, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at Aspire Senior Living Center in East Prairie.  She was born September 26, 1951, in Hayti, MO, to the late Charles Edward "Tump" Grigory and Viola Hosler Grigory, and was a schoolteacher for Charleston High School over 31 years until her retirement.  She was a member of Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church in East Prairie. Ellenann loved her students during her many years of teaching.  She was one who always enjoyed giving big hugs, and she showed her caring for others by sending cards which included her own special notes.  She was also known by many as "Fur Mama", for she had a kind heart for homeless animals.  Through the years she adopted many dogs and cats.  Most were brought to her and some simply found their way to her, somehow knowing they would have a loving home.  Though she and husband never had any children of their own, she treated these animals as though they were a part of her family.  She gave them more care and love than they ever could have imagined.

On July 30, 1977, in Caruthersville, MO, she married Richard Thomas "Rick" Howton, who preceded her in death November 18, 2001.

Ellenann leaves behind many who were her chosen family:  her "adopted brother", Charlie Marcum and wife Rhonda, and their children, Alvin Marcum, Alex Marcum and Taylor Worley; her close friend of many years, Dorothy Hutcheson and husband Kevin, and their children, Whitney Hutcheson, Richie Walton and Bradford Hutcheson, her godson; and her "adopted family" from Caruthersville, Mama Gale, Twila and husband Harrison "Sonny" Ward, Vickie and husband John Melton Gale, Jr., Leslie and husband Josh Cunningham and their two children, and John Gale, wife Miranda, and their two children.

Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12 noon on Friday, March 14, 2025, at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, with Beth Allen of Nelson Memorial United Methodist Church officiating.

Interment will follow in Dogwood Cemetery under the direction of Shelby Funeral Home.

Pallbearers will be Alvin Marcum, Alex Marcum, Bradford Hutcheson, Richie Walton, John Melton Gale, Jr., Charlie Marcum, Kevin Hutcheson, Mel Gale, John Cunningham, Les Sides and Fielden LaPlant.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105-9959.