Mrs. H. J. Ellis, aged 79 years and 9 days, died at 11:25 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, 1929, at the home of her son, Lee Ellis, near Wilmore, Kans. Her health had not been good for some time, due to failing vitality, incident to her advanced age. Her passing away was as though she were sinking into a quiet sleep.Funeral services were conducted from the M. E. church in this city on last Saturday afternoon, and were in charge of Rev. B. H. Davis of Wilmore. He was assisted by Rev. C. C. Brown, the pastor here. Rev. Brown read the Scripture lesson and led in prayer. Rev. Davis gave a practical and helpful talk on the text, "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints," Psalms 116:15. A mixed quartet sang "I'm Coming Home," "The Old Rugged Cross" and "The Beautiful Garden of Prayer." The floral offerings were very beautiful.
The services were made very impressive and were attended by a large number of relatives and friends. On Sunday the body was taken to Nickerson, Kans., for burial by the side of her husband, who died in 1909. Funeral services were conducted in that city on Sunday afternoon by Rev. J. P. White, now of Hutchinson.
Helen Jane Pineo was born in Pennsylvania on February 12, 1850. While she was still quite young, she moved with the family from Pennsylvania to Grundy-co., Illinois, where she lived for several years. On June 11, 1866, in Grundy-co., she was united in marriage with Philander A. Ellis, who passed away on March 8, 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis settled in Bourbon-co., Kansas, in the year 1881, residing there until 1892, when they moved to Hodgeman-co., this state. They moved to Nickerson in 1907. In the year 1914, Mrs. Ellis moved to Comanche-co. so as to be near her children. She continued to make her home here except for brief periods when she visited with relatives elsewhere. Mrs. Ellis was a kind and loving wife and mother. Throughout all her life she had manifested a genuine Christian spirit. For a few years she was a member of the Baptist church, but later united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and Mrs. Ellis remained a faithful member thereof as long as she lived. Her uniform kindness, her unfailing sympathy and her constant interest in those about her won for her a host of friends wherever she was known. She was always interested in Sunday school and church work, and was a regular attendant at all the services whenever it was possible to be present. Her passing away is mourned by many, for all that in her they had a good friend.
The hardships and sacrifices of pioneer life were not unknown to Mrs. Ellis. She and her husband helped to build the prairies of Kansas into what they are today - the homes of hundreds of families. Mr. Ellis was a Civil War veteran. After his death, the wife struggled on, ever remaining true to her family and to her friends. She is survived by ten children, six sons and four daughters as follows: Henry F. Ellis of Iola, Kans.; Ernest L. Ellis of Garden City, Kans.; Mrs. Edith McCallister of Black Rock, Utah; Mrs. Elizabeth Hanchett of Larned, Kans.; Mrs. Lora Salmans of Hanston, Kans.; Mrs. Angie Burditt, Lee E. Ellis and Roy W. Ellis of this county, Earl E. Ellis of Fresno, Calif., and Herbert B. Ellis of Wellsford, Kans. She is also survived by forty grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren, and by many friends and other relatives. One son, Frank Sylvester, preceded her in death at the age of 17. To the surviving relatives, the sincere sympathy of all is extended.
Thanks to Shirley Brier for finding, transcribing and contributing the above news article to this web site!
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