Vivian Irene Drown, 83, of Stella, Missouri, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, in Joplin, Missouri.

Vivian was born on August 25, 1941, in Brownsville, Nebraska, to Fred Sr. and Edna (Bendixson) Wheeldon. She grew up with a love for creativity and spent much of her time making Christmas crafts and villages, coloring, and sewing—bringing beauty and warmth to every space she touched.

On September 30, 1963, Vivian married Junior "Ernie" Ellison. They shared 30 years together until his passing in 1994. Later, she found love again and married Johnny Drown, who also preceded her in death.

Vivian's life was marked by love and devotion to her family. She is survived by her three children: Kurk (Beverly) Ellison of Joplin, MO, Toni (Tom) Launius of Stella, MO, and Kelly (Dean) Coleman of Phoenix, AZ; six grandchildren: Chris Ellison, Derek Launius, Luke Launius, Blake Ellison, Kiersten Coleman, and Caleb Coleman; and four great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Steve Wheeldon of Omaha, NE, Irvin Wheeldon of Omaha, NE, Shirley Miller of Joplin, MO, and Sheila Cummings of Grove, OK.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Michael Ellison; her sister, Carol Jones; and two brothers, Harlan Wheeldon and Fred Wheeldon, Jr.

A Memorial Visitation for Vivian will be held from 5:00-6:30 pm on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at Clark Funeral Home Chapel of Memories in Neosho, Missouri.

Vivian's warm heart, creative spirit, and deep love for her family will be dearly missed. Her legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved her.