Frances Ellish Leanse

Frances Leanse, a very special Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in Houston on May 3, 2021. Frances was born June 12,1928 in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, but soon moved to Greenville, Texas. She was the adored only child of Rose and Oscar Tanenbaum. Only 15 when she graduated from high school, they sent her to Lindenwood College for Girls in St. Louis. Her persistence earned her permission to transfer to The University of Texas at Austin, where she made many friends, including her future husband, Milton Ellish. They married in 1947 and moved to Dallas where Milton completed his MBA before joining his family's business in Spring Valley, New York. Missing Texas,they returned to start a ladies ready to wear retail business with Frances' parents. They settled in Longview, where their two daughters were born and their business flourished. In 1958, they moved to Dallas and set up their office at home so they could run the thriving business and still be "hands-on" parents. Frances felt so lucky to be blessed with wonderful friends who made her family part of their own for the entire time she lived in Dallas. When Milton passed away in 1966, Frances widowed at 37, showed her strength as she continued to run the business until she eventually sold all of the stores. At the same time, she made sure her daughters (10 and 13) felt secure and as normal as possible. Frances married Charles Wolf. They enjoyed a warm and loving family life. During this time, they welcomed two sons to the family when Nancy and Larry and Gail and Joel were married. They were thrilled to become grandparents to four of "Mama's" (as Frances was lovingly referred to by her grandchildren and all of their friends) five grandchildren. In one word, Frances was a true "lady". She was honest, sincere, kind, and generous. Her huge smile radiated her warmth and love. She read voraciously, needlepointed with perfection and played cards with expertise and luck. Frances liked shopping, crossword puzzles, mah jongg, fine restaurants and watching sports on TV, especially Texas Longhorn football and Texas Rangers baseball. However her greatest enjoyment came from anything shared with family and friends Frances "Mama" is survived by her children Nancy and Larry Reader, Gail and Joel Rovinsky; grandchildren Michael (Sara) Reader, Leslie (Michael) Mazvinsky, Amy (Jason) Sandler, Jeffrey (Sally) Rovinsky, Julie (Austin) Boyd; great grandchildren Gavin, Ella, Avery, Chase, Matthew, Parker, Ellie, Mila, and Emma; and brother-in-law Morton Ellish. The family kindly requests that donations in Frances's memory be made to Jewish Family Service or the charity of your choice,

Frances Ellish Leanse

June 12, 1928 - May 3, 2021