Ellajean Denham Jones

Indianapolis, Indiana – Ellajean Denham Jones, 89, passed away peacefully after being comforted by family and friends, on May 15, 2026, just shy of her 90th birthday. Her faith, her passion for music, and her love for her family will be deeply missed.

Ellajean was born on May 23, 1936, to parents Thomas & Lorraine (Loux) Denham in Indianapolis, Indiana. A proud graduate of Arsenal Technical High School, she worked as a bookkeeper and administrator for multiple companies, including Choc-Ola and eventually retiring from Pettibone Construction, where her typing speed and shorthand were legendary.

A woman of strong faith, Ellajean had a deeply personal and longstanding relationship with God, whether that was founding a church out of her house in Texas with her first husband, William Milby, or volunteering for Christian Tabernacle. Her outgoing nature and care for strangers made her a powerful voice of Christian faith, figuratively and literally as her talent for music was a strong part of her belief; whether that was playing the piano, the organ, singing, or even playing the accordion.

When she found time to relax, Ellajean loved to shop but most importantly, just spend time with her family. Especially her grandchildren who brought such joy to her life. She was blessed with a wonderful family with her first and second husbands, William Milby and Byron Burkett, and great times with her final husband, Stewart Jones.

In addition to her parents, Ellajean is preceded in death by her first husband William Milby.

She is survived by her children; Andrew Milby (Debbie), Karen Hudson Bullock (Rick Bullock), Brandy Burkett – Priddy, and William Marshall Milby Jr. (Patricia); grandchildren David Hudson, Michael Milby (Joanna), Eric Milby, Andrea Strickler, Andrew Scott Milby (Sarah), Jessica Marie Carpenter (Titus), Ashton Priddy, and Alissa Priddy; and great-grandchildren Hunter Wainscott, Dalton Hudson, Cade Hudson, Haley Milby, Lukas Carpenter, Gracelyn Carpenter, and Vincent Carpenter; as well as great-great grandchildren Lily June O’Dell, and Jax O’Dell.

A graveside service will be held at Washington Park East Cemetery on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 1 pm. Guests will be meet at the funeral home, Flanner Buchanan – Washington Park East (10722 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46229) before processing out to the graveside.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial donations to be made in Ellajean’s memory to the American Heart Association.