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Doris “Ellen” Cox, age 70, passed away peacefully on August 31, 2025, at Kindred ICU Hospital in El Paso, Texas.
Ellen was born on May 23, 1955, and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where she grew up in a close-knit community surrounded by faith, family, and the simple joys of small-town life.
She married her devoted husband, Blaine Clifford Cox, and together they shared 52 years of love, faith, and partnership. Through every season of life, Blaine and Ellen stood side by side, supporting one another with patience, devotion, and humor. Their marriage was the foundation of the family - a living example of commitment that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Ellen’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. Deeply passionate about Bible study, she dedicated herself to sharing the Word of God with others. She poured her heart into women’s ministries, prayer circles, and outreach programs, always offering gentle wisdom, steadfast encouragement, and a welcoming spirit that drew people closer to Christ.
Her home was a place of comfort and fellowship, where her generosity and kindness shaped countless family celebrations and everyday moments alike. Friends, neighbors, and family alike knew they could stop by for a glass of sweet tea, a game of cards, or a heartfelt conversation around her kitchen table. Ellen was famous for her homemade enchiladas - and to her sons, no burrito anywhere could ever measure up to Mom’s. She filled her kitchen with love, and her food was always more than a meal - it was a memory.
She was always the host for family gatherings and events at her home - no matter the occasion. Everyone who came through her door experienced her generosity and hospitality, the kind that could only come from a truly good woman of God.
She was an extraordinary mother to her sons, always their rock and constant support. No matter the distance, time zone, or hour, she never ignored a call, text, or letter, and they could always count on her to be there for them. Guiding her sons to Christ was one of her deepest joys, and her steadfast love and example shaped their lives. Ellen also embraced her daughters-in-law as true daughters, loving and cherishing them as her own. She would leave nothing for herself if it meant her family could be happy and safe.
Ellen took great joy in celebrating the milestones of her family, and her only grandchild held a very special place in her heart, loved fiercely and without limit. She proudly watched her granddaughter graduate from high school and was especially overjoyed at her acceptance to New Mexico State University, a milestone she celebrated with excitement and joy. Just as she did with her granddaughter, Ellen delighted in the accomplishments of her entire family, always encouraging them and sharing fully in their successes.
Ellen was loved by all children - whether they were family, friends’ children, cousins’ kids, or the children of nieces and nephews. If Ellen loved you, your children became like her own grandchildren, receiving her endless affection, encouragement, and plenty of spoiling.
She loved her entire family - her cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. One thing they all shared in common was how Ellen cared for them as if she were their mother, not just their aunt. Her nurturing spirit touched every corner of the family, and she is deeply missed by them all.
Ellen is lovingly remembered by her husband, Blaine Clifford Cox; her sons, Blaine “Aaron” Cox (Richelle Obay Cox) and James “Kees” Cox (Jungmin Cox); her granddaughter, Kyla Cox; her brother, James Smith; her sister, Fern Marquez; and many beloved nieces and nephews, whom she loved as her own. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Doris Smith, and siblings Francis Foor, Marylou Hillman, and Sarah Nassef.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at 10:00 A.M. on 13 September 2025 at The Worship Center in Alamogordo, New Mexico. All who knew her are invited to gather in worship, remembrance, and fellowship. For those unable to attend in person, the service will also be available to view online at The Worship Center’s YouTube and Facebook pages.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Ellen’s legacy by sharing your favorite scripture or by donating to a Bible study ministry or local church outreach program that continues her spirit of faith and service.
May Ellen’s example of kindness, faith, and generosity continue to inspire us all.
