Ellen Faye Haggard, 88, died on December 19, 2024 at her residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, surrounded by her family.

Born in Carlisle County, Kentucky on December 12, 1936, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Otto and Mary Joseph Toon Hayden.

Ellen graduated first in her high school class from St. Joseph High School, Mayfield, Kentucky in 1954. She also attended Fayetteville Technical College in North Carolina earning an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies. Ellen was a talented artist, avid gardener, and loved to paint, sew, make baskets and crochet. She was a beautiful lady and worked in the cosmetic industry for many years retiring as a Lancome Cosmetic Manager from Belk Department Store. Ellen was a kind and giving person who loved to serve others. She volunteered at many organizations over her life including her church, the American Red Cross, Army Officers Wives Club and the American Legion Ladies group.

Ellen enjoyed traveling and lived many places as a military wife. She was married to her late husband, Retired Major Robert Dale Haggard for 64 years until he passed away on July 14, 2020. They loved to travel together and learn about other cultures in the United States and other countries. They especially enjoyed the time they lived in Turkey often returning for visits later in their lives.

Ellen is survived by her children: Teresa Diane Haggard of Charlotte, NC, Kristen Kaye Haggard of Huntersville, NC, Robin Haggard Lowman and son-in-law Michael Todd Lowman of Irmo, SC; five grandchildren: Lauren Perkins, Zachary Beasley and fiancée, Heather Cohen, Robert Lowman and wife, Ellen, Morgan Slayton and husband, Trevor and Austin Haggard; great grandchildren Hayden Perkins, Dylan Perkins, Jaxson Lowman, Lily Lowman, Elsie Lowman and Hunter Beasley, and family friend who is considered a son, Daniel Hollingsworth. She is also survived by siblings: Joseph Leon Hayden (Judy), Bill Hayden (Jill), Judy Lonne, Connie Stokes (Bill), Debbie Pickard (Mike). She was preceded in death by siblings William Gerald Hayden, Terry Hayden, Margie Elizabeth Skrit, Simon Sylvester Hayden.

Ellen was a dedicated and loving wife, mom and grandmother, affectionately referred to as "G-ma". She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

A Funeral Mass at Our Lady of The Lake Catholic Church in Chapin, SC, on Wednesday, January 8th, 2025, at 10:00 am. Interment will take place at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery at 2pm.

Memorials can be made to the Fisher House Foundation online at fisherhouse.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Ellen Faye Hayden Haggard.