Ina Ellis, age 91, of Manhattan, Kansas, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 1, 2023. She was born in Fairview Missouri to Carl and Violet Mae (Hutchings) Sanders. In 1949 she graduated from the Apostolic Faith Bible School in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and on May 7, 1950 she married her high school sweet heart, Joe Ellis, who preceded her in death in 2015.
Ina sold Tupperware for five years, while living in western Kansas, and spent a number of years working at Memorial Hospital in Manhattan in the Housekeeping and Linen Department. She also, along with her husband Joe, managed the Little Ponderosa Mobile Home Park for 28 years. She loved to travel to see her relatives in Wyoming and Missouri. But her favorite role in life was that of wife, mom, and grandma. Her family was a great source of joy for her. Her six children and their families spent a lot of time in her home over the years; enjoying Sunday dinners, holiday gatherings, and visits just because. Her hospitality and warm smile and hugs made all feel welcome.
Ina had a heart of compassion and generosity toward all who knew her. Her strong faith in the Lord and her unwavering trust in His provision for her life was evident by the way she cared for others. Whether it was through the food she made or providing financial help, if she could meet someone else’s need- she loved to help.
Ina was a longtime member of the Manhattan First Church of the Nazarene where she attended with her husband Joe, and her son Lynn Ellis and his family. She made life long friends at church and was part of many different Bible studies and ministries over the years. She would often tell others how good the Lord had been to her and her family.
She is survived by four sons, Bob Ellis (Janie) of Ardmore, Oklahoma, Darreld Ellis (Marilyn) of Topeka, Kansas, Terry Ellis (Polly) of Overland Park, Kansas, Rick Ellis (Shelle) of Shawnee, Kansas; one daughter, Sherry Duerfeldt (Dan) of Manhattan, Kansas; two sisters, Sharon Dooley of Casper Wyoming, and Brenda Sue Davis of Gillette, Wyoming; two brothers, Leon Sanders and Bob Sanders, both of Casper Wyoming; 12 grandchildren, Chad Ellis, Brian Ellis, Josh Duerfeldt, Jessica Ellis Vidal, Nicole Ellis Semple, Dayna Ellis Robson, Matt Duerfeldt, Pam Ellis, Luke Duerfeldt, Andrew Ellis, Jacob Duerfeldt and Michael Ellis; 18 great grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; five step great grandchildren; one step great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Ina was preceded in death by her son Lynn Ellis and his wife Mary Lou, along with three brothers and three sisters.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Manhattan, Kansas, with Pastor Jay Bessmer officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Thursday morning at the church. Burial will be in the Sedalia Cemetery, northwest of Manhattan.
A memorial has been established for the First Church of the Nazarene. Contributions may be left in care of the Anderes-Pfeifley Funeral Home in Riley, Kansas.
