Bernice Irene Ellis, age 73, passed away Saturday, October 13, 2012 at Golden Valley Memorial Hospital in Clinton, MO. Funeral services will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at the Vansant-Mills Chapel, Clinton. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Parks Chapel Cemetery, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society and can be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.

Bernice was born February 18, 1939 in Henry County, MO to Riley and Mary (Molder) Houk. She was an employee of Golden Valley Memorial Hospital for 13 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters; Dorothy Lloyd and Vivian Ivonne Houk, and a brother, Virgil Houk.

Among survivors are four sons; Alex Knuth of Riley, NC, Brian Knuth of Washington D.C., Paul Knuth of DE, and Don Knuth of VA, one daughter, Jodie Atkin of Blairstown, MO, one brother, Forrest Houk of Clinton, MO, and two sisters; Leona Hill of Joplin, MO, and Beatrice Pardo of Dallas, TX, as well as 10 grandchildren.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.