Marva Lee Ellis

Marva Lee Ellis, 90, formerly of Topeka, passed away on December 21, 2018 at Via Christi Villages in Manhattan, KS.

She was born on March 23, 1928 in Prairie View, KS, the daughter of Arthur and Anna (VanDeWege) Kolste. Marva grew up on a farm in Almena, Kansas. Upon graduation from high school, she attended Kansas State University. While at KSU, Marva met Dan K. Ellis whom she married on August 17, 1947 in Almena, KS. They were married 52 years and had three children. Dan preceded her in death on April 5, 2000. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Loren Kolste.

Survivors include children; Richard Ellis of Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada, Lu Ann Hoover (Dave) of Manhattan, KS, and Lori Thompson of Topeka, KS; three grandchildren, Grant Hoover (Macey) of Manhattan, KS, Barkley Pool (Justin) of Belton, TX, and Jake Thompson of Topeka, KS; and three great-grandchildren, Tyce Hoover, Tate Hoover, and Trey Hoover, Manhattan, KS.

Marva was a lifelong sports enthusiast. Beginning in high school where she participated in track and women's basketball, she began a lifelong enjoyment of sports. She enjoyed playing golf with several Women's Golf Association organizations; she hunted and fished with her husband and took up water skiing late in her adult life.

Marva also supported sports through her attendance at KC Royals baseball games and KC Chiefs football games. Upon retirement, Marva and Dan were KSU season football ticket holders for many years.

Marva treasured being able to attend her grandsons and granddaughter's sporting events. During her later years, she simply enjoyed hearing about the various sporting events in which her great grandsons participated.

Until the time of her death, Marva loved watching sports on TV, primarily the Chiefs, Royals, Professional Golf and of course KSU football and basketball. She was a proud supporter of the KSU Alumni Association, which was Dan's Alma Mater.

Late in life, Marva was blessed with the opportunity to reunite with Vene Leichliter whom she had dated in high school 70 years earlier. Vene had married and had three children. His wife preceded him in death. Thanks to social media, they reconnected in 2014. On September 26, 2016 Marva and Vene had a commitment ceremony and were able to live out their last few years together. Vene preceded Marva in death February 10, 2018. They were both blessed with a second chance at love.

A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at Mount Hope Cemetery & Funeral Chapel, 4700 SW 17th Street, Topeka. Private inurnment will take place at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 5375 SW. 7th St Topeka, KS 66606 or Topeka Alzheimer's Association, 3625 SW 29th St. Suite 102 Topeka, KS 66614.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is handling arrangements. To leave a message for the family online please visit the guestbook below.