Phyllis Ellis

Phyllis A. Ellis, 99, of Clifton, Kansas died on Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Clay Center Presbyterian Manor.  She was born on April 23, 1925 in Clay County, Kansas, the daughter of Perry “Jake” and Myrtle (Chayer) Liby.  Phyllis grew up in the Clifton area and graduated from Clifton High School in 1944.

After high school, Phyllis worked as a waitress at her aunt Olive’s restaurant in Clay Center.  In 1946, she married Wirt Ellis and the couple lived in West Virginia until Wirt’s death in a mining accident in 1959.  She then moved back to Clifton and worked part time at the Clifton Grade School. Phyllis eventually became the head cook at the grade school and worked there until her retirement in the mid 1980s.

Phyllis was a member of the Faith United Church Presbyterian and was a 50 year member of the Clifton American Legion Auxiliary.  She loved to play Bridge and was a member several card clubs.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents; husband; 4 brothers, Rex, Lyle, Michael and Bobby and 3 sisters, Peggy, Shirley and Faye Dean.

She is survived by her son, Terry and his wife, Kathy Ellis of Valley Center, Kansas; daughter, Linda Simoneau of Clay Center, Kansas; 5 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, Jerry Liby of Carl Junction, Missouri and sister, Joan Rundle of Ottawa, Kansas.

A private graveside memorial service will take place at a later date.

There will be no visitation.