Shirley Jean Ellis
November 22, 1936 ~ January 1, 2022
Shirley Jean Ellis, 85, died Saturday, January 1, 2022. “Aunt Shirley,” as she was known by everyone, cherished time spent with family and friends. Her signature gift of joy, shown through her constant smiling, laughter, and fun, will never be forgotten. A devoted member of St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church, Shirley won the hearts of many by her constant nurturing love and faith. With over 60 years of membership in the Belles of St. Mary, Shirley enjoyed entertaining and serving others with a real zest for life. Preceded in death by her husband, Thomas D. Ellis; daughter, Diane Ellis; brother, Jerome Laham; parents, Samuel and Delia Laham. Survived by her daughters, Susan Ellis and Janet Ellis; sister, Marilyn (Larry) Kuhlman; brother, Robert (Elham) Laham; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Memorials have been established with: St. Mary Orthodox Christian Church, 344 S. Martinson, Wichita, KS 67213; Heartspring, 8700 E. 29th St. N., Wichita, KS 67226. Viewing will be from 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 6, 2022; and Friday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Friday, January 7, 2022, at Downing & Lahey East Mortuary. For the health and safety of all of Shirley’s precious loved ones, funeral services will be limited to immediate family only. All are welcome to view the services online at St. Mary Orthodox Church’s YouTube page at 7:00 pm, Friday, January 7, 2022. Services in care of Downing & Lahey East Mortuary.
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Please accept our sympathy at the passing of Shirley. She was an especially nice person and will be missed by her family and friends. Kathy and John Slaymaker
When I first started attending classes at Genesis, I did not know anyone. Shirley befriended me, introduced me to people and made me aware of activities that were available. She was always friendly and smiling. When I last saw her, she was on her way to a class at Genesis and recommended it to me. She always inquired about my family and comforted me when my mother died. I will miss her buoyant spirit and her happy smiling face.
I so appreciated my relationship with my cousin Shirley. She was giving and wise and so happy. Her smile and laughter lightened my mood and heart. I will so miss our phone conversations, her words of encouragement, and her light.
I will always remember Shirley for her kindness, Love, and generousity of heart. My Father always called her a “Saint” for being so patient in dealing with my Aunt Carry, her mother-in-law for so many years. She will be truly missed. Dona M. Baba
Shirley was a wonderful cousin who always was there if we needed anything. She and I would talk every week. She was a God send to many people and had a heart of gold. She would give you the shirt off her back. We will miss her so much and miss her smile. God Rest Her Soul Memory Eternal. Love You Shirley. Love Debbie and Yvonne Nassif.