Donna Ellis

STAFFORD - Donna Aileen Ellis, 91, died Tuesday, September 21, 2010 at Leisure Homestead, Stafford. She was born January 28, 1919 in Sylvia Kansas to John Otto and Flossie Maye Ankerholtz. On March 30, 1938 she married Ona George Ellis in Medicine Lodge, Kansas. He died on November 3, 1985. Donna graduated from Sylvia High School. She was a homemaker and had many piano students. She worked at the Stafford District Hospital and was an active member of Eastern Star, holding many different offices for many years. In 1987 and 1988 she was appointed the Grand Organist for the Grand Chapter of Kansas. She was the church organist for the Methodist churches of Huntsville, Sylvia and Stafford. Donna is survived by her brother Jay Ankerholtz of South Huthinson; Daughters Kay Harrison and husband Gary of Hutchinson; Karen Smith of Stafford; Daughter - in- law Fran Ellis of Idaho; Sons Greg Ellis and wife Hazel of Murdock; Kim Ellis and wife Kay of St. John; 17 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 10 great, great grandchildren. She was preceeded in death by her parents, sister Gail Cusick, son Gary Ellis, grandsons Rodney Stiggins, Dale Harrison, and great grandson Timothy Stiggins. Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Friday at the First United Methodist Church, Stafford with Rev. Amy Slater presiding. Burial will be at the Sylvia Cemetery. Friends may call 3-7 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving friends 5-7 p.m. at Minnis Chapel, Stafford. Memorials may be sent to the Leisure Homestead of Stafford or Stafford Education Foundation to be used toward a music scholarship, both in care of the chapel.