Juanita Jean Ellis

Juanita Jean Ellis, aged 82, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, surrounded by her loved ones. Born on February 11, 1942, in Vassar, Kansas, she was the beloved daughter of Warren and Vada Roberts (Cody).

In a beautiful twist of fate, Juanita met Lester, affectionately known as "Red" Ellis, who would become her lifelong partner and greatest love. Together, they nurtured a family, raising three children who brought them immense pride and joy. Their shared life was one of companionship and adventure, filled with treasured memories, including trips to Las Vegas and Japan.

A devoted military wife for nine years, Juanita dedicated herself to service and community, actively participating in the VFW Post 11255 Women's Auxiliary. Creativity bloomed in her soul, reflected in her passions for sewing, quilting, and crafting. A fervent supporter of her local sports team, she was a proud "Mahomie" fan, cheering enthusiastically for the Chiefs at every opportunity she got, or listening to the best music hits of Elvis Presley. Above all, her heart belonged to her family; she relished in the joy of watching her grandchildren grow and thrive, finding boundless happiness in their laughter and milestones.

Juanita is survived by her loving husband, Lester "Red" Ellis, her daughters, Nikki (Brian) Mooney and Pamela (Paul) Hughes, and her son, Mark Ellis. She is also survived by her brothers Kenneth and William Roberts, her sister Peggy Roberts, 8 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren.

She joins in eternal rest with her parents, Warren and Vada Roberts, along with her sisters Mildred Greene, Shirley Watts, Goldie Lind, Olive Moore, and Dorothy Visnosky, and her brothers Irvin Roberts, Bobby Roberts, Clifford Roberts, and Junior Roberts.

A visitation will be held in her honor on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home – Midtown Chapel in Topeka. A graveside service will follow on January 3, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Memorial Park Cemetery in Topeka.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, honoring a cause dear to Juanita's heart.

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