Velma May Ellis, 93, a loving and faith-filled woman, passed away at her home on May 12, 2023. She was born on July 22, 1929, in Londale, Missouri to Keith Erastis and Mary Francis (Easter) Tilman.
Velma was united in marriage to Gerald Dean Ellis on April 3, 1949, and they shared 63 wonderful years together before his passing in 2013. She worked for Home Interiors & Gifts as an independent contractor for 25 years, where she built a successful career and formed lasting friendships. She was a dedicated member of the Grace Evangelical Church and volunteered her time and talents with the church and the Open Door Food Kitchen in St. Joseph. Velma's kind and generous spirit touched the lives of many in her community.
Throughout her life, Velma enjoyed bowling, needlework, and crocheting. Velma loved hosting holidays and family dinners, cherishing the time spent with her loved ones. Her mother and mother-in-law were special mentors in her life, and their influence can be seen in the way Velma nurtured and cared for her own family.
One of Velma's greatest joys were the 17 girls' trips she took with her daughters, exploring various parts of the USA and even venturing to England. She also traveled to Florida to visit with her son. These trips were a testament to the strong bond she shared with her children and the adventurous spirit she possessed.
Velma will be remembered as a loving, faith-filled, and kind woman who always put her family first. Her legacy will live on through the memories and stories shared by those who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Velma is survived by her children, Linda Wagers (Richard), Sue Dornhoffer (Dennis), Sandra Schweder (Mike), Michael Ellis (Pat), and Debra Gentry (Patrick); grandchildren, Scott Wagers (Lori), Kevin Wagers (Nicole), Amy Bruce, Ryan Dornhoffer (Emily), Kristen Crook (Berry), Clint Schweder (Katie), Tyson Schweder (Nicole), Heidi Ellis, Kelly Ashby (Maynard), Robert Fisher, and Caleb Gentry (Heather); 22 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; siblings, Clara Smith, Rose Chesnut, Kenneth Tilman, Alva Tilman, Wendi Kitchen, and Ellis Tilman; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Gerald Dean Ellis; parents, Keith and Mary Tilman; sister, Letty Tilman; and brothers, Gilbert Tilman, Charles Tilman, Eugene Tilman, and Cleo Tillman.
Velma wishes for her family to “Be happy. It’s a joyous occasion; going to be with my Lord.”
Psalm 91: 14-16 – “Because (Velma) loves me” says the Lord. I will rescue her; I will protect her because she acknowledges my name. She will call upon me and I will deliver her and honor her. With long life I will satisfy her and show her salvation.”
Psalm 27:1 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”
Graveside Services 3:00 P.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends one hour prior, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
