She was married on Dec 15, 1860 in Pettis Co., MO to James Thomas Dillard. Malinda's father, John Ellis, was a large farmer and blacksmith. He had a large family and was the first Judge of Pettis County.

Mrs. Melinda Ellen Ellis Dillard, aged 80 years, a pioneer resident of Pettis County, died Monday, October 11, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Blanche Shannon, near Marshall, Missouri. Funeral services were conducted at the Shannon home by Rev. A. W. Kokendoffer, pastor of the First Christian church of this city, at 12 o'clock today, and burial was made in the High Point Cemetery near Hughesville, six grandsons of the deceased serving as pallbearers. Mrs. Dillard was born near Longwood, January 2, 1846, the daughter of John and Melinda Ellis. She was united in marriage to James Dillard, December 15, 1860, who died 35 years ago. She was the mother of six children, two boys and four girls, all of whom survive. They are Benjamin Dillard, Kansas City; Thomas J. Dillard, Sedalia; Mrs. Mollie Powell, Eric, KS; Mrs. Minnie Tucker, Eldorado Springs, MO; Mrs. Sarah Tucker, Nevada; and Mrs. Blanche Shannon of Marshall.

She also leaves one brother and one sister, John Ellis and Mrs. A. C. Leftwich, eighteen grandchildren, and seventeen great-grandchildren. Mrs. Dillard united with the Christian church in her girlhood days, and in this faith lived until her death. She was a devoted mother, faithful wife, and a kind neighbor, always ready to help anyone in need.

The Ellis family came to the Maryland Colony about 1650. They were from England and were Quaker. They were in central Missouri about 1830.

Malinda was named for her mother, Malinda (Ramey) Ellis. The Ramey's were of French Hugeunot stock. They are buried in the High Point Christian Church Cemetery near Hughesville.

Children:
Mary Malinda Dillard 1861–1925
Benjamin Franklin Dillard 1866–1935
Minnie Belle Dillard 1870-1935
Sarah Elizabeth Dillard 1872–1935
James Thomas Dillard 1876–1944
Alice Blanche Dillard 1880–1964