Stella E. Ellis

Stella E. Ellis, 85, of Olathe, Kansas, formerly of Topeka, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at a care facility in Olathe. She was born on September 15, 1940, in Delta, Colorado, to Charles W. Ellis and Dollie (Reynolds) Ellis.

Stella graduated from Marysville High School in Marysville, Kansas, in 1959. She lived in Marysville from 1947 until 1960 before moving to Topeka, where she made her home until 2023. She then relocated to Olathe to be closer to her family.

Throughout her career, Stella worked for Victory Life Insurance for 25 years, AAA Insurance, and later the State of Kansas Board of Tax Appeals, where she retired from in 2016.

Stella is survived by her siblings, Ronald Ellis of Eudora, Kansas; Catherine (Bernard) Runnebaum of Olathe, Kansas; and Guy (Kay) Ellis of Topeka, Kansas. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Laurie (Tom) Garber, Bernie Runnebaum Jr., Clif Ellis, Deidre (Bill) Chinn, Chris (Amanda) Ellis, and Mark (Mandy) Ellis, as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Darrell Ellis.

Stella enjoyed canoeing, taking boat trips on Lake Powell, trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo, playing in a softball league, going to the movies, playing Bunco, hiking, camping, cave exploration, and traveling. She especially cherished her trips to Colorado, Portugal and southern Africa. More than anything, she treasured the time she spent sharing these experiences with her family and friends. Her warm spirit, love of adventure, and devotion to those she loved will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A private celebration of Stella's life and inurnment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Gift of Life, 6405 Metcalf Ave, Suite 109, Overland Park, KS 66202, Phone: 913-851-1947, www.giftdonor.org.

Dove Southeast Chapel, 2843 SE Minnesota Ave., is assisting the family with service arrangements.

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