Ima Jane Cruse Ellason was born December 12, 1935 in Dallas, TX to Thomas Charles and Eddis Alberta Cruse and left this world for her heavenly home on June 27, 2022.

Jane grew up in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School in 1953. Days playing the piano for Kessler Park United Methodist and stories of walking to The Kessler Theater to see a movie or to get ice cream at the Carnation or at Guy's Pharmacy were special to her.

These stories included the love of her life O. D. Ellason (Duane) whom she married on February 6, 1954. For 68 years, they shared a love story. She followed him to El Paso while he served in the Army. Jane spoke fondly of her days in El Paso. She loved the city, their apartment, and living the military life with Duane.

Upon returning to Dallas, Jane and Duane started their family. Steve was born in 1957, Ray followed along in 1958, and Leslie completed their family in 1964.

While a devoted wife and mother, Jane began a career in banking at Republic National Bank in Dallas and continued in El Paso. In the early '70s, she began employment at Buckner State Bank. For over 30 years, Jane was a dedicated employee, teller, and bank officer who took her position seriously. She expected no less from those around her but also left her mark as a wise and respected leader. She made lifetime friendships with Emma Head and other coworkers.

Many years were also spent at a small church down the road that forged faith and friendships. Jane and Duane shared a sweet time of fellowship with other young couples and began a friendship with Ray and Alice Boler that has lasted 49 years. Ray made his way to heaven in January and he's presumably found he and Jane a honey hole to fish — where they're having a cool drink and are waiting on Alice and Duane.

Jane loved to fish, be at Lake Fork on a cool fall day, and loved a little poker. For some 25 years, Jane and Duane spent time at Lake Fork doing the things they enjoyed and making lifetime friends. Friends, family, and sharing good food would light her life — there was no other place she'd rather be.

Jane led such a full life with Duane and so many friends along the way, but her true joy was her family. Jane is survived by her husband, Duane; son, Steve and wife, Linda; son, Ray and wife, Tammi; and daughter, Leslie and husband, Randy. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Chris and wife Amy; Lindsay and husband Dustin; Nikki and boyfriend Dre; Emily, Hannah, and Sydney; and her great-grandchildren, Ella, Everly, and Hadley.


"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and fateful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Proverbs 31: 25-30

Memorials may be made in Jane's name to a battered women's shelter of your choice.