Jewel Ellis was born July 7, 1929 in Oklahoma to Bessie May (Boman) and William Herbert Hill. The family moved to California shortly after Jewel's birth and she grew up in Shafter attending Shafter elementary schools and graduating from Shafter High School with the Class of 1948. Jewel married L.B. Ellis July 11, 1948 and they continued to make Shafter their home. Jewel was a homemaker and enjoyed sewing, quilting and crocheting. She made quilts for all her grandchildren. Jewel also loved to play darts at the Foxy Lady. Jewel loved helping people; she was always trying to help with whatever was being done for whoever needed it. Jewel was preceded in death by her husband, L.B. Ellis in 2005; son, Douglas Ellis; daughter, Karen Ellis; grandson, Jason Brown; brother, Herbert Lee Hill; and her parents. Surviving family include her children, Darwin Ellis and wife Jannette of Maricopa, Linda and husband Mickey Wilson of Santa Maria, Sandra and husband Philip Brown of Shafter; brother, Randy Hill; 10 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Donations may be made in Jewel's name to the Alzheimer's Association or Cancer Society. A graveside funeral service will be held Friday, February 25, at 10am at Shafter Memorial Park for Jewel Ellis, age, 81, of Shafter who passed away February 21, 2011 in Bakersfield. Pastor Mike Polley of the Valley Bible Church will officiate the service and interment will follow. Visitation will be Thursday, February 24 from 2pm to 8pm at Peters Funeral Home.